Innovating Region: South Central & South West Wisconsin

12 counties: Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Marquette, Richland, Rock, Sauk

Target Industries: Food Processing, Plastics, Industrial Machinery, Auto and Truck Manufacturing, Retail Trade, Healthcare, Finance and Insurance, Construction and new and emerging opportunities associated with Biotechnology

Region Information

South Central Southwest Wisconsin is experiencing economic growth. However, there is a shortage of qualified workers, inconsistent education credentials, and a growing population with limited proficiency in the English language. Wisconsin WIRED leaders will integrate workforce, economic and educational resources to build a sustainable infrastructure around talent development for high growth industries. The three-part strategy will 1) develop career pathways that are based on industry-driven training; 2) develop a shared regional infrastructure for technology-based facilities, distance learning programs through Workplace Skill Centers at One-Stop Career Centers, and job learning-networking for industry, educators, parents and students; and 3) establish cross-industry strategies to support education and training needs of new and incumbent workers.