What's Working

Milwaukee Gear and WRTP/BIG STEP recognized by Department of Workforce Development

Milwaukee Gear, a local manufacturer of gears and drives, last week welcomed Manny Perez, Department of Workforce Development secretary, to their offices. Secretary Perez took a tour of the facility and met with recently hired machinists.

Milwaukee Gear, an open shop represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, recently hired 16 graduates from a CNC class coordinated by WRTP/BIG STEP. It was a collaborative effort between the company, WRTP/BIG STEP, Waukesha County Technical College, and the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board. The new employees start earning $15/hour.

Secretary Perez also highlighted employees who are also participating in Manufacturing Skills Standard Council certificate training, which was also coordinated by WRTP/BIG STEP with the involvement of Milwaukee Area Technical College and Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development Inc.

It’s great to see the work of local employers and their partners in the community recognized for efforts to bring good jobs to community members. After all, that's what's working.

Read the news release and check out the story on WISN 12.

Pictured above from left to right: Tramond Nicholson, WRTP/BIG STEP CNC class graduate, Azmi Issa, Milwaukee Gear's director of operations, Secretary Perez, Earl Buford, WRTP/BIG STEP president & CEO, Richard Fullington, Milwaukee Gear president & CEO, and Jane Pawasarat, DWD Employment and Training Division administrator.

Sixteen In, Sixteen Out - WRTP/BIG STEP CNC Class Graduation

Sixteen in, sixteen out.

Sixteen graduates started the WRTP/BIG STEP CNC class in February and 16 finished in April.

At the graduation ceremony for the class, held April 8, graduate Carl Butler shared just what that accomplishment meant to the graduates. Watch his speech below.

 

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Richard Fullington, president and CEO of Milwaukee Gear, the company that hired all 16 graduates, were in attendance to congratulate the graduates, who start work in the next couple weeks and will make $15/hr.

Milwaukee Gear, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of precision gears and drives, has seen steady growth in the last six months and identified the need to hire qualified CNC machinists, who can be difficult to find.

“We found there were talented people in the community looking for work, but didn’t have the skills necessary to step into a production role,” says Alesia Butera, shared services manager at Milwaukee Gear. “We decided the best thing for our company would be to take the time and provide those interested in joining our team with the skills that would last them a lifetime.”

To help meet this goal, Milwaukee Gear began working with WRTP/BIG STEP staff members in January to develop the training course, recruit and select community members, and coordinate instruction.

“WRTP/BIG STEP has been instrumental in understanding our needs and developing a curriculum to meet those demands,” says Butera. “Organizations like WRTP/BIG STEP not only support employers in Wisconsin, they support individuals, communities and our local economy by helping put people back to work.”

With expansion expected to continue, Milwaukee Gear will be maintaining their partnership with WRTP/BIG STEP. By doing so the company not only expects to bring more qualified employees into their operation, but hopes other local employers will take notice and follow suit.

Says Butera, “We’re excited about our new team members starting with us, and we’re looking forward to a bright future for them and Milwaukee Gear.”

Jobs are Served, with a Side of Lunch - Milwaukee Gear and WRTP/BIG STEP CNC Training

As far as lunches go, this had to be one of the best for the WRTP/BIG STEP CNC trainees.

After spending Tuesday morning shadowing employees at Milwaukee Gear, the students were treated to a luncheon provided by the company. While they ate, CEO Richard Fullington gave them an overview of Gear’s business philosophy and Director of Operations Azmi Issa asked the students which area of the job shadowing they liked the best. Some answered machining, others grinding and quality control.

Issa then provided an overview of their benefits package options, and perhaps most importantly, gave them their start dates. Half will start April 11, the other half April 18.

“This is a great training program and I’m grateful to Milwaukee Gear and WRTP/BIG STEP for providing the opportunity,” said Trainee Ed Gates during the lunch.

The students are nearing the finish line of a two month-long dash to complete the CNC training course. Milwaukee Gear, a Glendale-based manufacturer, has committed to hiring all 16 graduates.

Their training has consisted of two days per week of math, blueprint reading, and gauging skills enhancement and industry essential skills training at WRTP/BIG STEP, two days per week of hands-on CNC training at Waukesha County Technical College, and one day a week job shadowing with experienced employees at Milwaukee Gear.

“Job training that leads to an actual job? You can’t beat that,” says WRTP/BIG STEP’s Joe Nicosia, who coordinated the training. “They’ve worked hard every day, and that will be their reward.”

Graduation is at 2pm on April 8, 2011, at WRTP/BIG STEP, 3841 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will address the graduates.

Graduation is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend. Food will be provided. Though it might not taste as good as what was served at that Tuesday luncheon.