How long will it take to complete?

The Certificate is planned for two semesters, typically being fall and spring semester (see suggested schedule for each semester). In preparation for the Certificate Northwire provides each student with a Core Skills Assessment performed by WITC prior to the start of classes. Tutoring is provided as necessary to ensure students are ready to succeed in completion of the Certificate. Certificates are awarded to those who complete the first semester; an additional Cluster is offered in semester two.

Will part time jobs be available while I go to school?

Yes. Northwire will provide part time work for students. If production hours conflict with school schedules, part time jobs at area companies will be coordinated for students. Your part time job should provide you with the means to get through the Certificate and gain experience in areas of study. Full time, temporary jobs may be available with a move toward permanent employment based on completion of the certificate program.

Will Northwire guarantee to hire me if I complete the Certificate?

No, there are no guarantees that Northwire will hire you. However, depending on staffing needs, your background and experiences, applicants that successfully complete this Certificate will be given preference for open positions. Northwire will offer part-time employment to recipients of the NWI Scholarships. NWI and MPS Staffing will work closely with other participants to locate work that meets school schedules.

What would I do at Northwire if I graduate with this certificate and they hire me?

This Certificate is set up to train manufacturing technicians who operate and maintain plastic extruders in the wire and cable industry.

What is the salary I can expect?

Northwire pays employees based on skills and knowledge along with total contributions made to the company. Following completion of the Extrusion Technology Certificate, you should have gained the skills of Extrusion Operator level. Pay for this level in 2006 is $12.00-$13.50 per hour. Shift premiums are paid at $.75/hr for second shift and $1.00/hr for 3rd shift. A monthly Incentive Compensation program includes month bonuses based on successfully company performance. Bonuses have averaged approximately 8% during the past three years.

Note: Those who complete both the Certificate AND Semester Two Cluster may be eligible for Technician-Level pay which ranges from $14.50-$17.50/hr.

Are there scholarships available?

Northwire also offers up to six (6) FULL scholarships annually to area high school students and qualified candidates.

Is there financial support if I do not qualify for a scholarship?

Yes. Northwire will assist graduates that we hire in re-payment of student loans. An agreement is set up between graduate hires and the company for loan payments following six (6) months of employment and as long as the graduate is an employee in good standing. Monthly financial aid loan payments are made directly to the lender. Full time employees are eligible for 100% tuition and book reimbursements.

Who do I see to get started?

Contact either WITC or Northwire, Inc. or talk to your high school counselor.

About WITC

The Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College System's five campuses offer more than 50 technical degrees or diplomas. Faculty from the New Richmond campus and Northwire will be collaborating on teaching the Extrusion Technology Certificate. All core class credits offered under this program are eligible for transfer to other WITC degrees. New Richmond campus counselors and financial aid staff are available to support Extrusion Technology students.

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
New Richmond, Wisconsin
Susan Lockwood, Dean of Business and Community Education
715-294-6561 ext 4252

For Educational information, contact Danielle Nelson, Northwire at 1-800-468-1516.