Colleen Vollbrecht
Colleen Vollbrecht is the Continuous Learning and Development Manager at Rockline Industries, headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Rockline Industries is a manufacturer of premium quality products for both branded and private label categories. Vollbrecht was instrumental in providing the manufacturer input during the development of the Plymouth Science & Technology Center, a training center for high school and tech college students.
Peter Thillman
Peter Thillman provides leadership for new and existing business development through customized training, workplace learning and entrepreneurial activities as Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development at Lakeshore Technical College.
Secretary John Scocos
Secretary Scocos will focus his remarks on the benefits to manufacturers of hiring and developing Wisconsin veterans, including how to find veterans with the skills your company requires, as well as special training grants available to manufacturers employing veterans.
Stephanie Borowski
In her role as SCP Executive Director, Stephanie brings commitment, passion, and business acumen to an education model that graduates 90 percent of some of the most disengaged students in Southeast Wisconsin. Stephanie is dedicated to replicating this integrated education model throughout Wisconsin.
Steve Dyer
Steve Dyer, president and CEO of Dickten Masch Plastics, LLC. Dickten Masch Plastics (DMP) works with the Second Chance Partners for Education progam and also is very active in hiring veterans. Dyer will share his experience as a manufacturer that leverages both of these non-traditional sources of talent.
10:00 - 11:00 AM
For: Owners, CEOs, COOs, Presidents, VPs & Directors of HR
Many Wisconsin manufacturers are currently experiencing growth in their businesses. A common challenge for many is finding and retaining the machine operators, welders, process specialists, technicians, engineers, mid-level supervisors, and other skilled workers needed today and in the future. Workers with the right skills and abilities are essential for businesses to sustain and build vital growth.
This panel brings together leaders that will discuss a range of approaches to the issue. John Scocos, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, will share how his agency works with manufacturers to help veterans get the specific training to help them develop their careers and contribute to the success of their employers. Click here to download information about the benefits of hiring veterans.
Stephanie Borowski, Executive Director of Second Chance Partners for Education will share how her program works with students, schools and manufacturers to help train high school students for careers in manufacturing.
Steve Dyer, CEO and president of Nashotah, Wis.-based Dickten Masch Plastics LLC, will share his experience in tapping talent from both the Second Chance Partners for Education as well as hiring veterans.
Peter Thillman, Vice President, Workforce & Economic Development for Lakeshore Technical College and Colleen Vollbrecht, Continuous Learning and Development Manager for Rockline Industries, will describe how manufacturers, educators and government officials collaborated to develop the Science & Technology Center located at the Plymouth High School. This program offers Plymouth students high school and college credit at the same time in courses such as Manufacturing, Machine Tool and CNC classes.
Read about a similar panel discussion held on March 8th in Madison