‘Making it in manufacturing’ with SWTC’s Gold Collar 2.0 program
Business partner representatives, educators and students smiled with pride after the students recieved their graduation hardwear. Pictured above are (front, left) Keegan Ebrling, Ryan Friedrich, Jeremy Gobin, Braden Reames, Walker Rowcliffe, (back) Tom Harris, Dr. Jason Wood, Kim Graf, Andy Banasik, Shelly Gruber and Craig Woodhouse. (Photo by Addison Mumm)
By Addison Mumm
Five Prairie du Chien High School students participated in Southwest Technical College’s three-week Gold Collar 2.0 project this summer.
The Gold Collar 2.0 project is a spin-off of the original Gold Collar Certificate program for adults. The adult program, offered in Prairie du Chien and Richland Center, helps unemployed persons find a new career path in manufacturing and gives them the proper training and education for entry-level positions.
“It’s progression education,” said Dean of Industry, Trades and Agriculture Dr. Derek Dachelet. “Once you get into the entry-level positions, there is all the potential to move up, but you need to start somewhere. We can help you get there.”
Starting in January 2013, the Gold Collar Certificate program was introduced to adults wanting to enroll. As of this summer, there is now an option for high school students to get their foot in the door of the manufacturing work field.
“The objective is to elevate technical skills of students and prepare them for jobs available in Prairie du Chien in manufacturing,” said coordinator, Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and Gold Collar 2.0 instructor Craig Woodhouse. “The adult program worked so well, we thought we should offer something at the high school level to show importance of manufacturing and appreciate all manufacturing offers,” he said.
The five students spent 80 hours experiencing manufacturing first-hand with classroom work, training and some hands on experience.
“I really liked the hands on work with the employers. It made it real and easy to understand,” said junior Braden Reames.
Students worked with welding, looked at robotics, were introduced to automation and more. The group saw the robotics and automation at Miniature Precision Components (MPC), welding at Dillman’s Equipment Inc., teamwork and communication skills at 3M and witnessed a high-volume distribution center at Cabela’s.
“I liked going all around to manufacturing places to see the buildings and how they do things,” said senior Walker Rowcliffe. “I want to go to Southwest Tech for welding, so this program gave me a good chance to see companies and see which I prefer to work at.”
The students ended their program July 31 at their graduation. The five high school students received plaques and t-shirts as well as two college credits and one high school credit.
“Not only did I do the program for high school and college credits, but it had interesting topics that we went over, like welding and electrical circuits,” said junior Jeremy Gobin.
The students got to showcase their work as they gave welded garden shepherd hooks to their families and the high school. The hooks given to the high school were accepted by Principal Andy Banasik.
“I’m proud of the students,” said Banasik. “They have achieved a lot. This program gives the students an opportunity for hands-on experience and to understand manufacturing. We have great connections with Dillman’s and 3M to make this program possible.”
Senior Keegan Ebrling said she took the course not only for high school credits and college credits, but because it was something fun and new that isn’t taught at the high school. Fortunately, Southwest Tech and Prairie du Chien High School are working together to try and bring the Gold Collar 2.0 course to the academic spring semester in the 2015-2016 academic year.
“I would recommend this course, yes,” said sophomore Ryan Friedrich. “I’m not sure what I want to do in the future yet, but the program was nice to try.”
