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TMCNet: The State of Working Wisconsin 2010 study shows weak economy no cause to rein in training [The Post-Crescent, Appleton, Wis.]

[September 08, 2010]

The State of Working Wisconsin 2010 study shows weak economy no cause to rein in training [The Post-Crescent, Appleton, Wis.]

(Post-Crescent (Appleton, WI) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sept. 06--Sara Jeffers believed the road to a better paying job meant getting a college degree.

So far, that's held true. Jeffers, 27 of Oshkosh, recently landed full-time employment as an account coordinator with the Grand Chute-based public relations company Red Shoes PR.

She began an internship with the firm in May, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and was hired Sept. 1. Though Jeffers didn't disclose her salary with Red Shoes, she said it's much more than she was earning as a clerk at Kwik Trip.


"I figured PR is what I wanted to do, especially where social media was going and I also enjoy writing, so it all just seemed like the right fit," Jeffers said.

Education beyond high school still appears to be the route for anyone hoping to land a good paying job. Though Wisconsin -- like the rest of the nation -- has lost jobs in the recession, those with desirable skills are able to find work even in a tight employment market.

"It's important for the state to maintain its ability to provide continuing education and training for its work force," said Laura Dresser, associate director for the Center on Wisconsin Strategy, a non-partisan think-tank based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-author of The State of Working Wisconsin 2010.

"In terms of wages our degree holders earn, it speaks strongly to the training and skills they have, so we need to continue to make sure that the structure we have to connect our workers to training remains relevant to what our employers' needs are so that we can remain competitive." Higher education Chris Matheny, vice president of instructional services at Fox Valley Technical College in Grand Chute, said the college has seen enrollment increase the past two years.

FVTC's 2009-10 total enrollment, including part-time and full-time students and those who register for a single class or seminar, was up 14 percent from the previous year. The college served about 47,000 people last year.

Matheny said enrollment this year is on pace to surpass the 2009-10 mark as much as 10 percent.

In FVTC's latest graduate employment research report, officials saw encouraging data from the 1,600 respondents who graduated in 2009. It found 85 percent were employed and working within six months of graduating and earning an average annual salary of $32,282.

Of that total, 73 percent were employed in an occupation related to their training or degree and 67 percent were working within FVTC's service area, which covers Outagamie, Winnebago, Waupaca, Waushara and Calumet counties.

"When we look at the numbers, eight out of 10 are working and in a down economy," he said. "Our job really is to help graduates match the demand of the workplace." Census Bureau data shows individuals with only a high school diploma will earn $1.2 million during their lifetime. Someone with a two-year degree will earn $1.6 million, while someone with a four-year degree could earn up to $2.1 million.

FVTC staff meets twice a year with an advisory panel to ensure its programming is in tune with the community's needs, Matheny said.

"When we look at employers' needs across industries, they are looking for specific skill sets," he said. "They want to be certain people are trained in the latest technology, latest equipment and that they understand processes needed to make industries competitive." There also are core needs across all industries, Matheny said.

"Skills like team work, problem solving, communication skills, innovation and how to apply skill sets to unique circumstances to solve business problems," he said. "Our curriculum and general education components do provide that." Making ends meet Jeffers didn't start college after graduating from New London High School in 2000. She spent time working at Kwik Trip as well as thinking about a long-term career she ultimately would pursue.

"I knew then that I wanted to go to college, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to study," Jeffers said.

She saved money she earned at Kwik Trip and later enrolled at UWO.

Though Jeffers now works in her chosen field, she maintains part-time status at Kwik Trip. The extra money she earns there will help her cover costs for her upcoming wedding.

Jeffers is uncertain how long she'll keep her part-time job.

The State of Working Wisconsin 2010 report notes the median wage for all Wisconsin workers is $15.87 per hour or roughly $33,000 annually. That's 8 cents per hour less than the U.S. average. of $15.95 an hour or $33,176 annually.

Men in Wisconsin earn more than women, according to the report. The median hourly wage for men was $17.94 and $14.45 for women.

Wages for minorities were lower than pay for women. The median hourly wage for African Americans was $13.10, while Hispanics were earning about $12.25.

The report noted 23 percent of Wisconsin workers earned less than $10.46 per hour, the hourly wage required to keep a family of four above the poverty line, if working full-time, all year with no time off.

Wisconsin residents with an associate's degree on average earned $17.40 per hour. The U.S. average for this group was $16.96.

About 13 percent of the state's work force has an associate's degree, according to the report. About 8.8 percent of those workers have an occupational or vocational degree, while 4.4 percent held an academic degree.

Growth industries The Wisconsin Department of Revenue's latest quarterly economic report, released in August, says an economic recovery is underway across the state.

Since December, the state gained 25,400 jobs, led by manufacturing growth of 10,900 new jobs.

The state expects the recovery to continue through year's end but at a slower pace.

Manufacturing was among the leading private employers in the state with about 430,000 people working in that sector.

Projections indicate, while U.S. manufacturing has declined, Wisconsin has seen some gains, which could be sustained through 2013. Manufacturing jobs in the state could reach 451,000 by the end of 2011, the state projects.

The state expects education and health services to grow 2.1 percent between 2011 and 2013. Leisure and hospitality sectors will see about a 0.6 percent growth.

Professional and business services also are expected to grow as much as 6.9 percent in 2011.

Dresser said Wisconsin and Indiana lead the Midwest in manufacturing jobs.

"Despite the very severe contraction of manufacturing we've seen the past decade, we know we have a diverse manufacturing base," she said. "At one time Wisconsin was jealous of the automotive industry states but now we're relieved we're not a state heavily dependent on the auto industry." Maintaining and growing the state's manufacturing base is important, Dresser said.

Larry Avila: 920-993-1000, ext. 292, or lavila@postcrescent.com To see more of The Post-Crescent or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.postcrescent.com .

Copyright (c) 2010, The Post-Crescent, Appleton, Wis.

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