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w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m March 2015 • /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING | 13 Random facts about NWTC » NWTC is one of 16 U.S. community colleges to be designated an Achieving the Dream Leader College in 2014. » Every $2 invested in NWTC generates $5.80 in benefits to the region. » NTWC served 43,000 students during the 2012-2013 school year. Source: NWTC impossible, so we need to grow them instead of find them." e company has worked with NWTC to develop a four-week course for its workers in steel fitting. Passage of the NWTC referendum would "ensure that the facilities here in Sturgeon Bay continue to provide the necessary classes to get unskilled people to become skilled people," Behme says. While hiring from the technical colleges doesn't completely solve the issue of finding workers with experience, it's a way to get more people in the pipeline, Kaiser says. "It's not a problem that's solved in a year or two — it's solved over the long run," Kaiser says. "At Lindquist alone, the average age is right under 48 or 49. is is going to get worse." A failed referendum has the potential to limit growth in manufacturing and cause some businesses to locate elsewhere, Behme says. "I think that we undervalue the necessity for that especially in a small community like ours. Unless you have a direct connection to somebody who's gone through NWTC courses, I think you lose touch with how valuable it is to the community, and to the companies in the area," Behme says. F Opposite page, left; Marine Construction student in Marinette. Opposite page, right; Electrical Engineering Technology student. Above; Public Safety students. Below, left; Trades student. Below, right; IT Network Security student COURTESY NWTC COURTESY NWTC COURTESY NWTC