Per Scholas enters manufacturing training with Campbell’s-funded Milwaukee program

Per Scholas is moving into advanced-manufacturing training with a Greater Milwaukee program funded by The Campbell’s Company, preparing an inaugural class of 25 learners for entry-level technician roles after a year of work to identify the skills needed on Campbell’s production floors, the training provider announced Oct. 14.

Campbell’s $500,000 investment is split between a $250,000 feasibility grant that helped develop the program and $250,000 for the first cohort, according to the company’s announcement. The cohort funding covers recruitment, instruction and career preparation.

Curriculum development included visits to Campbell’s facilities, observation of high-speed production lines and a benchmarking study of more than 200 technicians. That work identified skills gaps in electrical systems, programmable logic controllers and industrial controls, Campbell’s said.

Learners will receive more than 400 hours of training covering industrial electricity, fluid power, motor-driven systems, troubleshooting and precision maintenance. The free, 15-week course is designed to prepare them for manufacturing technician and automation technician roles and includes OSHA-10 and NFPA 70E safety credentials.

Per Scholas said the Greater Milwaukee program will serve as a blueprint for bringing the curriculum to other communities across its national network, particularly regions with strong manufacturing sectors and unmet demand for technical workers. Expansion plans have additional strategic support from Focusing Philanthropy.