Invitation to Manufacturing FREE Training Program

Invitation to Manufacturing is a FREE specialized 8-week program that trains you with the skills you need for a high-paying and high-demand career in manufacturing.

manufacturing student working with a milling machine

Explore Careers in Manufacturing

Explore your curiosity and learn about machining, plastics processing or welding. No prior training or skills are needed to enroll in the program.

Invitation to manufacturing is for people who:

Are working part-time, underemployed, or unemployed.
Have potential learning challenges due to past experiences.
Have language barriers or disabilities.
Identify yourself as the under-represented minority and economically disadvantaged.
Are currently considering a career change.

The program provides English-supported instruction - Not Bilingual.
Participants must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the program.

Hands-on Training for High-Demand, High-Paying Careers!

Invitation to Manufacturing Program Overview

The program consists of 3 steps: 1) course overview session, 2) core manufacturing-related training and 3) offsite industry tour and career exploration.

Step 1 – Attend the Course Overview Session

Learn about financial incentives and scholarships after completion and finalize your registration. (2 hours)

Step 2 – Complete the 3-Part Core Manufacturing-Related Training

Introduction to Manufacturing Essentials Course (6 hours)

This course will teach you:

Manufacturing Safety
Related Math Applications
Print Reading
Workplace Communications

Manufacturing Skills Training Course (32 hours)

Choose from one of the course tracks for specialized hands-on training:

Metal Machining / Quality
Metal Fabrication / Welding
Plastics Processing

Career Path Preparation Course (6 hours)

Prepare your resume and gain interviewing experience in a mock interview with one of our industry partners.

Step 3 – Industry Tour/Career Exploration

Attend a scheduled company tour at a local manufacturer. (2 hours)

View the Complete Fall 2023 Training Schedule

Ready to sign up or ask a question?

Complete the form and we'll be in touch.

Earn a Digital Badge

Once you complete the program, you will be awarded a digital badge credential and you can begin your search for employment with a local community manufacturing partner.

Some course instruction may also qualify for future Credit for Prior Learning at Madison College.

If hired, the community manufacturing partner will work with you to support your continued education and career growth.

Explore Related Technical Diploma Programs

Madison College Foundation

$250 Stipend

Request to receive a $250 stipend upon successful completion of the training program (provided through the generosity of Phil and Kit Blake).

Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW) – Workforce Advancement Initiative (WAI)

Participants may be required to provide proof of employment eligibility* for the United States for incentive awards.

$100 Training Related Employment Bonus

Received when you are hired by a relevant employer.

$150 30-day Employment Retention Bonus

Received after documentation of 30 days of successful employment.

*Participants must be eligible to work in the U.S. in order to qualify for WAI incentive payments awarded for employment purposes (per ARPA CLFRF funding rules)

Our Community Partners

Invitation to Manufacturing was made possible through our collaboration with the Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW), including several regional community organizations and manufacturing corporations.

This program was funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation as a Wisconsin Innovation Grant (WIG) to support our local manufacturing industry by giving the community equal opportunity to long-term career potential and a family-sustaining wage.

Community-Based Organization Partners

Badger Prairie Needs Network
Centro Hispano of Dane County
Employment and Training Association
Forward Service Corporation
Job Center of Wisconsin
Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Inc.
Urban League of Greater Madison

Download a Print Flyer

Download a printer-friendly flyer containing information about the Invitation to Manufacturing program.

Download Invitation to Manufacturing Flyer (PDF)