February 2021 | Volume 18, Number 2 ApprenƟceship and Industry Training Center and Staff A publication for alumni & friends of Western Technical College WESTERN C O NN E C T IN THIS ISSUE - ApprenƟceship - College News - Alumni News - Where Are They Now?—Karen Larson - Classnotes - In Memoriam2 What a wild ride it has been! As we reflect on all the challenges that 2020 brought, I find myself also reflecƟng on all the posiƟve things that have happened this past year. It can be easier to remember the difficult things instead of the good things. We need to hold on to the good and keep moving forward! This ediƟon of Western Connect serves as a great reminder of all the good that has happened on the Western campus and throughout the community. I am grateful to be here and very grateful for the connecƟons I have made in my short Ɵme here at Western. Wishing you health and happiness this year, and please remember to reach out and share your stories and accomplishments with us! As Western graduates, your experiences aŌer your Ɵme here are inspiraƟonal to share with students and fellow alumni. Warmest Regards, Stephanie Knutson Alumni RelaƟons Coordinator Western Connect is published twice a year for alumni and friends of Western Technical College. Western Technical College President: Roger Stanford, Ph.D. Writer/Editor: Lauri Hoff ’00 | Editor: Leah Call | ContribuƟng Writer: Stephanie Knutson Alumni/FoundaƟon Manager: Stephanie Knutson Graphic Designer: Sharon Burchardt ’91, ’93 Western Technical College is commiƩed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmaƟve acƟon. AccommodaƟon requests, or quesƟons and complaints about discriminaƟon, harassment, and/or retaliaƟon should be directed to the Employment, Benefits, and EEO Manager, 608-785-9274 or TTY 608-785-9551. Hello Western Alumni! westerntc.edu/alumni Connect with us! 21-FA-0089 Stephanie KnutsonNow exhibiƟng an indisputably Western facade, the ApprenƟceship and Industry Training Center remodel is finished and ready to train a new workforce with state-of-the- art equipment and accomplished instrucƟon to match. A boon to the region, the apprenƟceship facility remodel is a brilliant vision with a nod to the future, but rooted in a pracƟcal and efficient reality currently unfolding. The apprenƟceship programs have a huge role in our community and local economy. Before breaking ground, the research, planning, and design of this building took two and a half years to ready. College faculty and deans, advisory commiƩees, and apprenƟceship groups came together to ensure a valuable community investment. The previous structure was high-quality and proved to be a sound remodel investment— more cost-effecƟve than building new; the savings went to high-tech equipment, student and faculty spaces, classrooms and living labs, computers, and green technologies. The newly opened facility expanded capacity while providing more hands-on learning opportuniƟes for students. GraƟfying and career-affirming for our instructors, much of the construcƟon was completed by Western graduates who are always proud to showcase their well-pracƟced and refined skills—the perfect embodiment of the project’s scope and purpose. The new structure felt like home immediately. 3 Pictured: Instuctor Carl Newman showcases the newly donated Motor Control Center (MCC). MCCs are used in manufacturing and industrial faciliƟes to control various processes. The MCC gives students an opportunity to train on the same equipment they will be working on in the field. Rockwell AutomaƟon in Richland Center donated the MCC along with pallets of motor control parts. Western’s upgraded Apprenticeship and Industry Training Center is remarkable4 World-class training for skilled trades The facility is a smart, pracƟcal, and beauƟful marvel; the design intends to surpass one-dimensional classroom instrucƟon by mimicking real-world training scenarios under a qualified tradesperson’s guidance. The educaƟon piece is dynamic and two- fold. Specifically designed living labs deepen the theory-based classroom learning with immediately available hands-on applicaƟons— the equipment and teaching strategy increases understanding and retenƟon. In addiƟon to theory-based and hands-on instrucƟon, there are more standard online resource opƟons for students. Amatrol specializes in designing and manufacturing technical training systems built for educaƟon needs. Other large companies like them have online content available to provide consistent, tested curriculum for specific skills, pre-built simulaƟons, and online assessments, all facilitated by our own faculty experts. The technology inside the facility The most exciƟng aspect of the new building is the technologically advanced living lab learning system. Because of these labs, Western stands out in its effort to offer more hands-on applicaƟon opportuniƟes for comprehensive skills training. The ConstrucƟon Electrician Labs provide instrucƟon for two apprenƟceship programs. The lab area includes 12 housing mock-ups for commercial and residenƟal wiring methods and many more trade-specific labs. This lab realisƟcally supports plumbers and electricians as they work together for the best outcome. • The Industrial Electrician and Maintenance Mechanic Labs are the height of technology. ApprenƟces learn from an all-inclusive manufacturing floor. With funcƟonal control panels, each setup exposes students to various motors, drives, starters, relays, and conveyors. This lab manages intended problems for troubleshooƟng pracƟce within the system for real-world scenarios. Students gain broad exposure, from basic electricity to advanced automaƟon. • The Plumbing Labs address both commercial and residenƟal plumbing, complete with a removable subfloor secƟon to visualize underground connecƟons. From green technologies to a variety of piping methods, students experience modern plumbing applicaƟons through hands-on mock-ups. • The Millwright Training Lab equips milling tradespeople with expert milling skills and machinery maintenance skills to install, maintain, and disassemble industrial machines. From moving, erecƟng, and rigging large equipment to precise laser alignment, installaƟon, overhauling, and troubleshooƟng, students become experts on the large machinery. • The DIRTT Wall System is built for accommodaƟng change and provides easy, clean access to plumbing, electrical, and networks. ConstrucƟon methods are conƟnually advancing, so exposing students Instructor Earlyn Hanson prepares for class: Ɵghtening a pipe connecƟon, leveling a pipe, and last-second touches.Thank you to our valuable partners 5 AutomaƟon Direct • Ban-Koe • Fluke Gexpro • Lab Midwest • Milwaukee Rockwell AutomaƟon • Southwire ApprenƟceship CommiƩee Members to modular wall systems with advanced technology and the newest trends is essenƟal. The future of apprenƟceship at Western and beyond ApprenƟceship jobs are highly skilled and technical; they are a great way to jump- start a career and earning potenƟal. Work and learn simultaneously—receive an industry-recognized portable credenƟal, an associate degree with liƩle to no debt, or even transfer to a four-year college as your employer invests in you. A wave of reƟrees will soon be here, and there is already a skills gap in young people. Job opportuniƟes are plenƟful in this region and come with enviable salaries. Amidst COVID restricƟons, the theory of study and hands-on classroom applicaƟons are engaging students, instructors, and employers in new ways. The balanced collaboraƟon involved in the curriculum design is crucial to Western’s relevant educaƟon, student success and confidence, and pracƟcal on-the-job training. Many area businesses directly benefit from our world- class teaching and systems. All instructors and students are anƟcipaƟng Ɵme in the classroom unimpeded by COVID, but in the meanƟme, learning conƟnues in the best and most unique facility in the region. Easier days will be here before we know it, and we all are beƩer equipped with what the pandemic taught us about ourselves and our community. Industrial Electrical and Maintenance instructor Phil Reed showcases one of his new pieces of equipment, a hydraulic troubleshooƟng system.6 ApprenƟceship is work-based, hands-on learning. Teaching and passing on specific craŌs and skill sets is a viable system used since the Middle Ages. Like today, Medieval trades were essenƟal to daily life and the welfare of the community. Those who had a parƟcular skill or arƟsan talent acquired through apprenƟceship made a higher and predictable income. ApprenƟceship helped build America from its rebellious colonial beginnings to the present-day complexiƟes and technological developments. Through apprenƟceship training, an employer invests in their employee by paying for their educaƟon and providing on-the-job training. ApprenƟceship existed as a largely unregulated system for hundreds of years. The strength and quality of the system were only as good as the master craŌsman bestowing their knowledge. In 1911, Wisconsin created the first state Registered ApprenƟceship system, which became the legal framework for many other states. Wisconsin’s ApprenƟceship Law helped develop the state’s skilled workforce and protected those entering the trades. On a naƟonal level, in 1937, Congress enacted the NaƟonal ApprenƟceship Act, also known as the Fitzgerald Act, to establish program standards and regulaƟons to protect the health, welfare, and safety of essenƟal workers and even included hiring contracts. Ensuring a level of uniformity and thoroughness to apprenƟce educaƟon is key while also providing protecƟve measures to the public who use these structures and services that apprenƟces build, make, and provide. The development of new efforts and innovaƟve models are expanding the program to serve an incredibly diverse populaƟon. Part of the strategy is building an aƩracƟve environment for students and creaƟng a career path they want to enter. Western has defined paths leading to tradiƟonal associate degree programs and beyond. The Individualized Technical Studies (ITS) degree allows an apprenƟce to complete their associate degree efficiently and transfer to a 4-year insƟtuƟon. Apprenticeship—time-tested, tried-and-true Currently, Western offers programs in the areas of construcƟon, industrial, and service trades. • ConstrucƟon electrician • Industrial electrician • Maintenance mechanic • Millwright • Plumbing • Steam fiƫng • Sheet metal • Always working with local employers to idenƟfy addiƟonal needs ApprenƟceship evolved beyond construcƟon and industrial trades. NaƟonally, the goal is to provide educaƟon and training to more than one million apprenƟces within the next five years. New sectors are emerging in high-growth areas like energy conservaƟon, healthcare, business, and informaƟon technology, in addiƟon to the tradiƟonal industries. These are great careers that pay extraordinarily well with no risk of outsourcing! College News Keep up to date on all of Western’s news at westerntc.edu/news Join us! The apprenƟces learning these crucial skills are as varied and diverse as our populaƟon. Explore our programs to see if they’re right for you! www.westerntc.edu/apprenƟceship For more informaƟon Bureau of ApprenƟceship Standards Melissa Kendhammer, ApprenƟceship Training RepresentaƟve Integrated Technology Center, Room 104 608-228-1323 melissa.kendhammer@dwd.wisconsin.gov Or ApprenƟceship and Industry Training Center 2860 21st Place South La Crosse, WI 54601 608-785-9172 | 608-785-9150 High School Students: Contact your guidance counselor and check out this CESA link: www.cesa4.org/services/cte- youthapprenƟceship.cfm 7 College News When I graduated from college, I realized I wasn’t enƟrely done preparing for my future. The thought of conƟnuing my educaƟon to earn a Master of Business AdministraƟon degree filled me with uncertainty. I carefully weighed my opƟons. The choice to aƩend Western and start an apprenƟceship had considerable appealing merits. I would be geƫng actual job experience while earning a living and paying off my exisƟng debt. ApprenƟces are paid by their employer for the eight or nine hours per week they are in a tradiƟonal classroom. The lessons in the Western classroom correlate directly to the pracƟces in the field. I use the knowledge I gained through my apprenƟceship and Western program every single day. My instructor, Dave Thurston, played a pivotal role in my apprenƟceship. I felt like I wasn’t just another face. Any challenge I encountered in the field, he was ready and willing to discuss in the classroom while always emphasizing the importance of safety. He wanted his apprenƟces to succeed and graduate with the ability to honor the disƟnguished trades. Western instructors contradict the saying, “those who cannot do, teach!” Instead, they educate with passion and drive in their chosen fields. Not only do they impart their vast experience and knowledge, but they also inspire a passion for the trades through their excellence. My apprenƟces have to be book smart and understand ever-evolving complex wriƩen electrical code. Electrical apprenƟces use advanced mathemaƟcal and scienƟfic concepts every day. Their educaƟonal environment is not only a tradiƟonal classroom, but actual job sites. They do all this while not burdening themselves with debt that would otherwise weigh on their financial health for years. There are tremendous opportuniƟes for career growth, not only in my operaƟon, but the trades in general. Jared Lucey, a recent Western graduate and E. Stanek apprenƟce, exemplifies excellence. I was immediately impressed with Jared’s work ethic and moƟvaƟon. Later, I was equally impressed with his comprehension of complex electrical concepts and his willingness to be a team member on complicated projects. Throughout his apprenƟceship, Jared coupled the detailed concepts he learned in the classroom with his experiences on the job. Jared Lucey graduated from the apprenƟceship program prepared to take on and lead complex projects with confidence. Jared is someone his peers hold in high esteem. Mark Clough, master electrician and owner of E. Stanek Electric, on what his Western education means to him E. Stanek Electric | 424 Jansky Place | La Crosse, WI 54601 | 608-782-0433 | stanekelectric.com “ I use the knowledge I gained through my apprenƟceship and Western program every single day.” — Mark Clough Jared Lucey and Mark Clough8 Western is developing a unique opportunity to earn a Precision Machining and Programing Technical Diploma or CNC Operator CerƟficate through CBE. CBE provides the support and flexibility busy adults need to earn a degree. Progress at your own pace as you demonstrate your readiness to move on to the next skill while working with instructors who provide one-on-one support. Once all competencies are demonstrated, you will have your diploma or cerƟficate. CBE programs are perfect for those currently in the workforce who need credenƟals or are looking to move up the career ladder with addiƟonal skills and knowledge. For more: www.westerntc.edu/cbe Earn a Precision Machining and Programing Technical Diploma or CNC Operator Certificate through competency-based education (CBE) College News A new transfer agreement between Western and UW-Stout The new transfer agreement allows students who complete the Electromechanical Technology and AutomaƟon Systems Technology associate degree programs to transfer into UW-Stout’s Engineering Technology-AutomaƟon bachelor’s degree program. In addiƟon, students in Western’s Mechanical Design Technology program can transfer into UW-Stout’s Engineering Technology-Mechanical Design program. It’s an exciƟng opportunity for Western graduates; this is a career area with tremendous job growth and high wages. For more www.westerntc.edu/ electromechanical-technology Interior Design Interior designers make indoor spaces funcƟonal, safe, and beauƟful by determining space requirements and selecƟng both essenƟal and decoraƟve items. Develop a strong foundaƟon in computer-assisted design, furnishings, lighƟng, texƟles, and sales. Learn the fundamentals for residenƟal and commercial spaces. Internet of Things IntegraƟon Specialist The Internet of Things is changing the way we work. There is high demand for skilled individuals who understand both OperaƟonal Technology and InformaƟon Technology to design, implement, and maintain systems. The Internet of Things IntegraƟon Specialist program teaches the technical skills to implement Smart Technologies across mulƟple plaƞorms and troubleshooƟng these systems through data-based soluƟons. Mechatronic and RoboƟc Engineering Technology This program teaches the skills needed to enter the growing field of roboƟc and mechatronic systems. In this field, highly paid technicians are responsible for setup, troubleshooƟng repairs, and program modificaƟons in a wide array of computer-controlled industrial and manufacturing operaƟons. Easily conƟnue your educaƟon with our transfer opƟons. For more www.westerntc.edu/coming-soon New programs for fall 2021The importance of mental health and self-care You may wonder if students are well cared for while they aƩend college, especially during a pandemic. I know I do, as a mother of two college-age sons. Are there people who view our sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters as individuals who maƩer, have unique talents and strengths, and are managing a full life outside of school? The answer is a resounding YES, and the care is becoming more preventaƟve, holisƟc, and student-directed. Western has a long history of providing counseling services to students, and now we’ve widened our net and launched a new Center of Care model that expands our work into a case management approach. This trauma- informed model is steeped in empowerment, student voice and choice, and “doing with vs. for.” The newly implemented delivery model change could not have come at a more opportune Ɵme for Western’s students, as the pandemic is exposing rising levels of basic need insecuriƟes and increased demand for mental health support. Western’s new Center of Care case management team works Ɵrelessly to uncover any potenƟal resources that could aid student success in and out of the classroom, e.g., stable housing, long-term therapy, access to health insurance, etc. Many of the students we see seek out support for specific mental health condiƟons such as anxiety and depression. Sadly, a different overarching theme has emerged in the past eight months – loss. The loss of connecƟon, loss of experiences together, and loss of loved ones as a result of COVID-19 or suicide. How are Western employees able to care so deeply about the success of the students and view them as unique individuals and, at the same Ɵme, quell their fears and concerns about the future? It begins with self-care. Our hearts and minds are open to compassion, care, and generosity when we take good care of ourselves. We can’t give what we don’t have within us; caring takes fuel, and we need to replenish our tanks. Western has invested in over 20 self-care sessions designed to support students and staff members, which our department has hosted. The boƩom line is that everyone needs care from Ɵme to Ɵme. I’ve needed people to show up and walk beside me, and I’m honored to be part of a team that does that same kind of work here at Western. It makes all the difference in the world when you know someone cares. Now more than ever, the importance of self-care and uƟlizing support systems is criƟcal. Western is commiƩed to every student, every day – even in a pandemic. —Ann Brandau Hynek, Ph.D., Director of Counseling and Case Management 9 College News Counseling and Case Management Services team Ann Brandau Hynek – Director Brent Brigson – Counselor Amy Delagrave – Non-Clinical Case Manager Lauren Jankowski – Non-Clinical Case Manager Katrina Rotar – Non-Clinical Case Manager Ann Brandau HynekNext >