Purpose

A platform for manufacturers to share ideas, encourage innovation, work together to transform the image of manufacturing and target new talent.

Charter

We the members of the Waukesha County Manufacturing Alliance pledge to promote the advancement of manufacturing in the greater Waukesha County area. Our collective goal is to raise the image and awareness of manufacturing as a viable and prosperous career path, and to highlight the necessity of a strong manufacturing base in ensuring the security and opportunities for future generations. We will provide a forum to share and distribute information and provide connections to the exceptional resources in Waukesha County.

We will, in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, engage in discussions and actions to drive the following initiatives: Best Practice Sharing, Cost Reduction, Risk Mitigation, New Business Development, and Improving the Perception of Manufacturing. These initiatives will be pursued in a manner consistent with ensuring the sustainability of our businesses as an on-going concern, while promoting the sustainability and prosperity of the communities in which we operate and live.

 TM

The goal of Schools2Skills™ is to inspire students, parents and educators to learn more about manufacturing careers available in Waukesha County, including career paths, salaries and the education required to succeed in today’s manufacturing environment. 

In the spring of 2012, 11 Waukesha County school districts took advantage of the Schools2Skills™ program. The program has successfully toured with over 300 students, educators, and parents. Tours included a total of 18 manufacturing facilities, 6 job sites and Waukesha County Technical College.

Survey results indicate that the tours are improving the perception of manufacturing in Waukesha County as a viable and rewarding career path. More tours are scheduled for Spring of 2013.

Dream it. Do it. Initiative

Wisconsin is the 20th state to implement the National Association of Manufacturer’s Dream !t Do !t (DIDI) campaign. The campaign is designed to rebrand the manufacturing industry as a great place to work and specifically targets young people, ages 16 to 25. This state-wide initiative will first be implemented in the M7 region under the leadership of the Waukesha County Business Alliance, Wisconsin Technical College System, regional technical colleges and workforce development centers in collaboration with manufacturers and other organizations.

The campaign, which began in January, has the following goals and objectives:

• Complete a successful implementation of DIDI in the M7 region by creating strong regional, cluster-oriented partnerships and alignment between constituent groups.
• Serve as a foundation for state-wide adoption of DIDI in subsequent phases.
• Promote and stimulate interest and enthusiasm among young people
  and their parents in manufacturing careers in southeastern Wisconsin.
• Equip and support area manufacturers to become better at attracting, retaining and engaging next generation workers.

Go to www.dreamitdoitwi.com for more info!

For more information on the Manufacturing Alliance, please contact Mary Baer.