WASHINGTON — Rep. Tom Petri, R-Sixth District, lauded Wisconsin's technical education system Tuesday in an address to the American Manufacturing Summit at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The summit was sponsored by the Swiss government, with a focus on recruiting and training a globally competitive, skilled workforce.

Petri said that manufacturing accounts for 20 percent of Wisconsin's economy, and the state is home to nearly 10,000 separate manufacturers that employ almost 450,000 workers.

"In fact, this year, Wisconsin surpassed Indiana to become the leading U.S. state for manufacturing employment," he said.

Petri highlighted how Wisconsin's technical education system works in cooperation with the state's manufacturers to identify priorities, including the importance of gaining competitive advantage in recruiting, hiring, training and retaining a talented manufacturing workforce, and he noted that Wisconsin technical schools are unique in that each program at every college is guided by an Industrial Advisory Committee made up of local industry experts who help to ensure that the college maintains relevant instruction, adopts the latest technology and identifies staffing needs of local manufacturers.

He provided several examples of cooperation between businesses and local schools, such as Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton and Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, all of which have partnered with local businesses to train workers for well-paying local jobs that are actually available.

"Not only are Wisconsin manufacturers partnering with technical colleges, but they are also fostering relationships with middle and high schools," Petri said.

"Businesses have found that these partnerships are vital in building a future employee pool. These innovative programs not only build interest and excitement in manufacturing careers, but many also provide students with the skills necessary to transition into manufacturing careers or pursue education and training at a technical college or university."

He illustrated his remarks by showing a short video produced by Wisconsin Public Television about the Ariens Technology and Engineering Education Center at Brillion High School, a state-of-the-art shop class for the 21st century funded with a generous grant from the Brillion-based Ariens Co.

"Global competition offers significant challenges to U.S. manufacturers who must strive to stay ahead of the game," Petri said. "It is increasingly clear that a high-quality manufacturing workforce is a critical element in meeting the challenge."