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EDUCATION & TRAINING Manufacturing's new profile picture WMC seeks to change image of industrial, technical careers | BY MARYBETH MATZEK "What seems to be missing in the current education system is a broad students of the jobs available." understanding by today's - Jim Morgan, WMC Foundation president Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and chambers of commerce from across the state rolled out a program designed to solve the workforce shortage by sharing and collecting best practices, launching a public awareness campaign about careers in manufacturing, and helping local initiatives designed to help manufacturers find the workers they need. WMC Foundation President Jim T EAMW O RK AND communication are the heart of a new initiative to make sure Wisconsin manufacturers have enough workers. Earlier this summer, Wisconsin Morgan says education is the key to helping ensure manufacturers have the workers they need to succeed. "Wisconsin manufacturers admit need to take responsibility for the image. People need to see what we do. Manufacturers tell me, 'Our facility looks more like a lab than a factory.'" Today's students don't have a good their involvement in education has been spotty. Too many manufacturers are not engaged. We're not telling the manufacturing story, " he says. "We understanding of the type of jobs that are out there and the training needed to get those jobs. Statistics show that 16 | INSIGHT on Manufacturing • July 2012 A welder works on agricultural equipment at an AGCO plant in Jackson, Minn. AGCO is using high-tech welding equipment made by Miller. www.insightonmfg.com COURTESY OF MILLER ELECTRIC