Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 13, 2021
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Three State Agencies Come Together to Celebrate Manufacturing Month and to Highlight the Importance of Justice-Involved Programming at Jackson Correctional Institution

BLACK RIVER FALLS – Today, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek and Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld joined Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Kevin Carr to celebrate October as Manufacturing Month at the Jackson Correctional Institution.

As part of the celebration, the secretaries participated in a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) certificate of completion ceremony and toured the CNC Mobile Lab. The ceremony was for the first cohort of individuals in DOC care trained in computer numerical control, which is a computerized manufacturing process that takes digitized data to control, automate, and monitor movement of a machine to route, weld, grind, laser, stamp, or control a robot to produce machined parts. Training was conducted through Western Technical College.

"Many individuals leaving DOC care face a lot of barriers to seeking full time employment," DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. "And we know that one of the best ways to positively change someone's life is to have a stable, well-paying job that supports them in their transition back to the community."

Jackson Correctional Institution is a medium-security facility entrusted with the custody and supervision of adult males.

“What an incredible collaboration between DOC, DWD and Western Technical College," DOC Secretary Kevin Carr said. "Wisconsin employers are looking for skilled workers and, through this partnership, we’re providing people in our care at Jackson Correctional Institution knowledge and tools that can help them successfully transition back into their communities. It’s great to see the men here are taking advantage of that opportunity.”

The CNC Mobile Lab is a self-contained training lab designed to deliver an advanced manufacturing training curriculum. As a climate-controlled unit, it is equipped with wireless technology and provides a space where instructors can teach and train students and job seekers in advanced manufacturing skills. Individuals in DOC care will train and receive a CNC Operator Certificate and CNC Set up Certificate, earning a total of 13 credits, from Western Technical College.

“Certificate programs, such as this one from Western Technical College, help individuals returning from DOC’s care obtain employment, gain access to housing and medical care, and start building financial capability,” said DFI Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “Being able to support themselves upon release with steady employment in a high-demand and well-paying field is an essential step on the path to achieving financial security for themselves and their families.”

A new correctional job lab will also be opening at Jackson Correctional Institution later this fall and will provide the individuals in DOC care with the ability to search for jobs throughout Wisconsin in advanced manufacturing.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

ABOUT DOC

Wisconsin’s Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and community supervision of clients. DOC offers education, programming and treatment to persons in our care and clients to enable them to be successful upon their return to the community. The department is made up of the Office of the Secretary and four divisions -- Division of Adult Institutions, Division of Community Corrections, Division of Juvenile Corrections and Division of Management Services. For more information on what is happening within the department, follow the DOC on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.