The U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $2 million grant to Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to support the development of the Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology and Apprenticeship (AMETA) Center.
“This EDA award is an example of President Biden’s commitment to investing in our workers and rebuilding American manufacturing," DOC Sec. Gina Raimondo said in a press release issued March 9. "With the assistance of this federal funding, Mid-State Technical College will create more educational and workforce opportunities for local students, help meet industry demand for skilled workers, and create new economic opportunity and jobs in Wisconsin."
The center, located on the college’s Stevens Point campus, will provide education and workforce training in multiple industries, and is expected to create or retain over 760 jobs and generate $2 million in private investment, the EDA reports.
Alejandra Castillo, assistant secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, said the EDA has an important role in aiding communities to implement plans to build a pipeline of skilled workers and strengthen their workforce, according to the release. The grant supports the purchase of cutting-edge instructional equipment for the AMETA Center.
“We are proud to partner with Mid-State Technical College as it endeavors to sustain and grow multiple industries in Wisconsin, including advanced manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and food production, and forest products and paper,” Castillo said, according to the release.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) said the state works to “make smart, strategic investments to support working families, strengthen our workforce, and maintain our economy’s incredible momentum,” the release reported.
Evers said he was proud to support the new AMETA Center in his 2023-25 Biennial Budget proposal. It will bring new jobs and opportunities to Central Wisconsin, Evers said, which had his appreciation of the state’s federal partners for recognizing the value the center provides.
