Educators Collaborate to Create Pathways for a More Skilled Workforce

Congressman Gallagher visits Ahnapee Diesel Center, a partnership between NWTC and Luxemburg-Casco School District that is building education pathways for our future workforce.

Congressman Mike Gallagher visited the newly launched Ahnapee Diesel Center, Wisconsin’s first diesel-only high school program that is building higher education pathways for our younger generation.

Collaborated by NWTC and Luxemburg-Casco School District, the Ahnapee Diesel Center is about one of 20 programs available nationwide. Students are given the opportunity to earn dual credits toward high school graduation as well as a one-year technical diploma toward NWTC’s Diesel Maintenance Technician (DMT) program. Upon graduation, students have the option to pursue an associate degree or enter the DMT workforce with an average starting salary of $50,000.

“America needs more truck drivers to keep our economy moving. Thanks to the partnership between NWTC and the Luxemburg-Casco School District, the Ahnapee Diesel Center is at the forefront of recruiting and training the next generation of truckers. It was great to be able to tour the center and meet with students and educators alike about the opportunities this program creates in our community. We’re lucky to have this innovative program right in our own backyard.”

Trucking is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States but is experiencing a shortage of qualified diesel technicians to keep the equipment up and running. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics bureau projects nearly 30,000 job openings each year between now and 2030 for diesel service technicians and mechanics.

“It’s important that we equip our K12 students with the knowledge of career opportunities and the resources to reach their goals,” said Dr. Kathryn Rogalski, NWTC vice president of student learning. “Dual credit programs provide that pathway, saving students thousands of dollars, while gaining college credit and employable skills.”

WTCS shares that dual enrollment students tend to have a higher academic achievement in high school and greater completion rates. With that, these programs create more structured and supported pathways to community college enrollment and are critical to helping ensure students meet their degree and transfer goals.

“One of our goals at Luxemburg-Casco District is to provide students with as many opportunities to earn college credit to save them time and money towards their future. It’s important that our students have a clear direction before they leave high school, and partnerships like this help provide that pathway to their academic success,” said Mike Snowberry, Luxemburg-Casco School District middle school principal.

The Ahnapee Diesel Center program is available to junior and senior high school students within Luxemburg-Casco, Denmark, and Kewaunee school districts.
To learn more about the diesel center, visit Luxemburg-Casco School District Ahnapee Diesel Center webpage.

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