Instrumental Talent Advantage & Pipeline Collaboration

Chippewa County’s educational institutions—ranging from universities to community colleges, trade schools, and workforce training programs—ensure a steady stream of highly educated and motivated individuals ready to join the workforce. Collaboration is at the heart of developing and maintaining this talent pipeline, with strong partnerships between local industries and the education sector. When businesses invest in Chippewa, they immediately gain access to one of the region’s greatest assets: a skilled workforce.

Our K-12 and post-secondary education systems are committed to meeting the needs of local businesses with specialized training and continuing education opportunities. Proactive programs and strategies, like the ones below, have been key to creating a robust and adaptable labor force in the Chippewa Valley!

Navigating & Exploring Resources

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) takes a proactive, multi-faceted approach to connect businesses with top-tier workforce development partners across Wisconsin. A great example of this is our collaboration with the Chippewa Valley Council of Boy Scouts, where we helped expand their Career Exploring Program, focusing specifically on building the talent pipeline in advanced manufacturing.

The Manufacturing Career Exploring Program offers young people, ages 10-20, the chance to engage in hands-on activities, one-on-one mentoring, and immersive experiences in a variety of manufacturing career fields. Participants not only gain insight into different sectors but also build valuable networks with industry professionals. Many local manufacturing companies now leverage this program to identify and cultivate the next generation of skilled workers, helping ensure a steady flow of talent into the workforce.

Chippewa is Military Friendly!

The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation partners with the State of Wisconsin to invite veterans from across the nation to explore the family-supporting job opportunities available in the Chippewa Valley. Military personnel transitioning from service or returning from deployment are discovering that GI benefits stretch further in Wisconsin, with a wealth of opportunities for both veterans and their families. Chippewa County employers benefit from direct access to a consistent pipeline of technically skilled men and women who transition or retire from Midwest military bases each year. This initiative specifically targets the following

• Fort McCoy: Home to the 84th Training Command (Leader Readiness), the 88th Regional Support Command, and the Wisconsin National Guard Military Academy, Fort McCoy plays a key role in training and supporting military personnel.
• Scott Air Force Base (Illinois): Serving as the central hub for logistics command, Scott Air Force Base manages the logistics operations for the U.S. military across air, land, and sea, ensuring effective global deployment and support.
• Naval Station Great Lakes (Illinois): The largest military installation in Illinois and the U.S. Navy’s primary training center, Naval Station Great Lakes provides foundational training for Navy recruits and serves as a critical component of naval readiness.