In an effort to address the talent demand across the region, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and the Greater Green Bay Chamber, with support from global technology company Xometry Inc., will provide scholarships to those pursuing a career in advanced manufacturing.
Xometry, the digital marketplace connecting enterprise buyers with suppliers of manufacturing services, has committed to providing full tuition scholarships for up to 50 NWTC students.
The funds may also help cover books, housing, and transportation. This financial support is part of Xometry’s mission-driven pledge to donate a portion of its equity to create opportunities for the next generation of manufacturing innovators who will help build a more sustainable future.
It is no secret that manufacturing plays a vital role in our region’s economic growth. 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Wisconsin was the second highest employment concentration for manufacturing in the U.S. Today, there are 13 million employed manufacturers across the country, and the National Association of Manufacturing expects at least 4 million more positions will be needed by 2030.
“The Greater Green Bay Chamber is proud to play a role in convening these partners to address the talent crisis,” said Laurie Radke, Greater Green Bay Chamber president & CEO. “Projections suggest challenges will persist for another decade or more and creative solutions will be paramount to reducing the negative impact. We are thankful for Xometry’s investment in our region and grateful to have a partner like NWTC who is prepared to meet the training required for these manufacturing roles.”
While the manufacturing sector continues to excel, it faces obstacles in labor shortage. Studies by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found the filling positions of soon-to-be retirees may be one of the industry’s biggest challenges over the next decade.
“Northeast Wisconsin maintains a global competitive edge through its creation and adoption of innovative practices, emerging technologies, and highly productive workforce,” said Dr. Jeff Rafn, NWTC president. “NWTC is pleased to enter into this collaboration with Xometry and Greater Green Bay Chamber to provide education and training for these exciting, high paying, sustaining careers,” Rafn said.
Starting fall 2022, the Xometry scholarships will be available to NWTC students who have been accepted into one of the 27 qualifying programs. Examples of these scholarship programs include data analytics, electro-mechanical technology, manufacturing operations management, mechanical design technology, prototype and design, supply chain management, machine tool operation, machine tool CNC technician, metal fabrication, welding, and electrical engineering technology.
“The backbone of our domestic economy, manufacturing, requires an increasingly skilled workforce to maintain American competitiveness now and for generations to come,” said Laurence Zuriff, co-Founder of Xometry and managing director of Xometry’s donor advised fund and ESG initiatives. “Xometry is committed to investing in the talent that will help the United States continue to build the innovative products that fuel our global economy.”
Xometry is dedicated to being a good steward of its business and the broader communities it serves. Through Xometry’s Donor Advised Fund (DAF), Xometry commits capital to educational and charitable institutions focused on training new generations of mechanical engineers, machinists and technicians.
U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, who represents Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, said “Hardworking men and women in Northeast Wisconsin have made our region a hub for manufacturing and the good-paying jobs that come with it. Thanks to this innovative partnership between Xometry, NWTC, and the Greater Green Bay Chamber, a new generation of Northeast Wisconsinites will have both the skills and the opportunity to build on these successes and keep Northeast Wisconsin at the forefront of manufacturing for decades to come.”
Applications for the scholarship are available now. For further information, visit nwtc.edu/scholarshipinfo.
