Beginning in January, Northcentral Technical College, in partnership with area employers, Forward Service Corporation and the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (NCWWDB), will offer a free 12 week training course to qualified individuals interested in obtaining employment in the construction trades.
According to Career Services Specialist Kaitlin Knospe, the training is grant funded by the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) and is intended to assist low-income, unemployed or underemployed (currently earning $12.85 or less/hr) with a path to obtain an apprenticeship and sustainable living wages, in the area of residential construction.
“This 12-week training curriculum to be offered at the NTC-Wausau campus, will come at no cost to participants,” Knospe explains.
“Included in this training will be opportunities to meet and speak with local employers, followed by a hiring event which will offer assistance in securing sustainable living-wage employment.”
The pre-apprenticeship training program will have a capacity of 15 people and is open to both men and women, ages 18+. Hours will be 9 am-3PM Monday through Friday and assistance is available to those who may be looking for part-time employment while attending, as well as transportation assistance.
Any college credit value attached with the courses offered within the curriculum will apply to participants as well, free of charge.
“This is a great opportunity for people in the Merrill community and surrounding areas, in an effort to help low income individuals and fill the skills gap for employers,” Knospe adds.
“There will be information sessions held at TB Scott Library and in Wausau coming up in the next few weeks. This is one of many opportunities that are available to our community in providing them with assistance in employment and training.”
“We make sure everyone who participates, gets hired somewhere. Our goal is to lead participants to employment with a livable wage of a minimum of $13 per hour.”
The following are informational sessions scheduled for the coming weeks:
Tuesday, November 22 @ 2 PM- Marathon County Job Center-Wausau
Wednesday, November 23 @ 10 AM- Antigo-NTC campus
Tuesday, November 29@5 PM-Merrill- TB Scott
Thursday, December 1@ 6 PM- Marathon County Job Center-Wausau