New Advanced Manufacturing Training Initiative Launches in Milwaukee Thanks to Per Scholas and Campbell's Company

Per Scholas and The Campbell's Company Launch Training Program in Milwaukee

In an exciting development for workforce development in the manufacturing industry, Per Scholas has announced its partnership with The Campbell's Company to launch an Advanced Manufacturing Technician training program in the Greater Milwaukee area. This initiative aims to bolster the local economy by equipping 25 individuals with essential skills for entry-level manufacturing jobs. Supported by a $500,000 investment from Campbell's, with $250,000 allocated for the inaugural cohort, this 15-week program is set to be transformative for those seeking careers in manufacturing and industrial technology.

The Vision Behind the Program

Having recognized the growing need for skilled technicians in today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, Per Scholas has utilized its experience as a workforce accelerator to identify the technical skills necessary for success in this field. The program development process involved extensive planning, including site visits to Campbell's facilities, interviews with seasoned technicians, and analysis of high-speed production lines. These efforts culminated in a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the real-world demands of modern manufacturing environments.

A Targeted Approach to Training

The Advanced Manufacturing Technician curriculum comprises over 400 hours of hands-on training, focusing on critical competencies like industrial electricity, fluid power systems, motor-driven systems troubleshooting, and precision maintenance. Participants will also earn industry-recognized credentials in safety, including OSHA-10 and NFPA 70E, making them highly employable upon completion of the course.

Caitlyn Brazill, President of Per Scholas, emphasized that this partnership allows them to craft a program that aligns closely with employer needs, creating new pathways for individuals to secure rewarding careers. “Manufacturing is evolving rapidly, and employers need technicians who can bring both technical skills and the ability to adapt to increasingly sophisticated industrial environments,” she noted.

Meeting a Critical Workforce Need

The timing of this program is particularly crucial, as the manufacturing sector faces significant workforce challenges. A recent Deloitte report highlights that the industry will require an additional 1.9 million workers by 2033. Combined with retirements, this growing gap necessitates accelerated training efforts to prepare the next generation of skilled technicians.

Kate Barrett, Director of Community Affairs at The Campbell's Company, expressed the company's commitment to the community, stating, “Investing in communities means creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact on people's lives.” This sentiment captures the essence of this partnership, which aims not only to fill immediate labor gaps but also to forge long-term career paths for local residents.

Career Opportunities and Resilience

Graduates of the new program will be well-prepared for positions such as Manufacturing Technician and Automation Technician. The rigorous curriculum is specifically designed to impart skills that are difficult to automate, ensuring that the graduates are equipped for hands-on roles that will be less vulnerable to the disruptions caused by advances in artificial intelligence.

Brendan Washington, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing for The Campbell's Company, echoed this point, explaining that the partnership focuses on cultivating the next generation of manufacturing talent. “Our partnership with Per Scholas enables us to invest in the next generation of manufacturing talent while creating more opportunities for people to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades,” he said.

A Blueprint for Future Expansion

With support from Focusing Philanthropy, the Advanced Manufacturing Technician program is part of the Resilient Careers in the AI Era Initiative. This initiative aims to expand access to hands-on fields like advanced manufacturing as job markets shift with technological advancements. The launch in Greater Milwaukee marks Per Scholas’ entry into Advanced Manufacturing training, with plans to replicate this model in other communities across the country, particularly those with robust manufacturing sectors and high demand for skilled technical talent.

Campbell's generous grant is set to cover essential aspects of the program, such as recruitment, instruction, and career preparation for the first cohort. This no-cost training opportunity will ensure that participants receive high-quality education without financial burden.

Caitlyn Brazill captured the overarching mission succinctly: “This investment is about more than launching a single training program; it is about building a scalable model to prepare people for the future of manufacturing while helping employers strengthen the talent pipelines they depend on.”

For additional details about the program, interested individuals can visit Per Scholas.

About Per Scholas

Founded in 1995, Per Scholas has been instrumental in providing no-cost training for individuals, helping over 35,000 professionals acquire sought-after skills. With over 25 campuses and remote programs, they partner with employers across various industries, including AI, Cybersecurity, and Advanced Manufacturing, to ensure the delivery of day-one-ready talent.

About The Campbell's Company

Established for more than 155 years, The Campbell's Company has a rich history in connecting people through the food they cherish. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., they are recognized as a leading North American brand powerhouse, generating significant net sales across multiple sectors including meals, beverages, and snacks.