Frequently Asked Questions

To put it simply: We’re here to connect the dots. We collaborate with economic development organizations, private manufacturing businesses, technical colleges and universities, and workforce development leaders to ensure that manufacturing opportunities are in high demand, and workforce needs are met.

Today's manufacturing industry is not what it used to be, and that's a good thing. Outdated stereotypes that paint a picture of boring, dirty, low paying jobs on the factory floor don’t hold up anymore.

In Western Wisconsin, modern manufacturing is clean, high-tech, and full of opportunity. Whether preparing to graduate, or planning your next step after high school, a career in manufacturing can offer you hands-on work, great pay, and long-term growth.

Not necessarily! No matter what level of education you have or want to pursue, there's a manufacturing career that fits your goals.

Here are some examples: 

• High School Diploma: Start your career right after graduation, in entry-level roles that offer real-world experience and room to grow.
• Additional Training or Certifications: Boost your qualifications with short-term training and gain access to specialized, higher-paying positions.
• Registered Apprenticeship: Learn while you earn. Wisconsin's Registered Apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.
• Associate Degree: Gain in-demand technical skills that prepare you for roles in production design, quality control, and more.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher: Take on leadership, engineering, or systems management roles that drive innovation and continuous improvement in the industry.

Well, for starters, manufacturing is a vertical career move. It doesn’t matter if you're just starting or looking to level up; jobs in this sector offer clear pathways to advancement, competitive salaries, and robust benefits. In Wisconsin the average annual earnings for a manufacturing employee is $89,736.

In West Central Wisconsin, there are plenty! From high-tech automation and precision fabrication, to assembly and quality control, manufacturing careers today are cleaner, safer, and more innovative than ever. These aren't the factory jobs of the past. They're careers that challenge you, reward you, and make a visible impact in the world.

Interested? Check out the current list of manufacturing careers in Wisconsin.

Absolutely. Educators play a vital role in shaping students’ futures, and manufacturing offers a powerful pathway forward. With strong wages, advancement opportunities, and hands-on work that brings out students’ strengths, manufacturing is a smart choice for many career-bound learners.

The Manufacturing Alliance of Western Wisconsin was created to help educators support career readiness by providing: 

• Career exploration materials
• Guidance on training and education pathways

For more information, contact us at 715-874-4673 or director@manufacturingworks.org