Green Bay Reporter

Current and prospective students at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay have a new opportunity to gain valuable experience in the manufacturing sector while earning competitive wages and receiving tuition reimbursement. The Future Leaders in Manufacturing program offers positions with regional mid-and-small-size businesses where students can develop leadership skills. This initiative is designed to benefit both students and employers, as over 70% of UW-Green Bay graduates remain in the area after completing their studies.

Steve Cahoon, vice president of Manufacturing with Sargento, stated, “We appreciate UW-Green Bay for recognizing the fulfilling career path that manufacturing can provide students during and after graduation.” He emphasized that Sheboygan County hosts many leading manufacturing employers who can offer paid career-based learning experiences to students, contributing to a strong future workforce for the community.

Students participating in this program will work with UW-Green Bay’s Career Planning and Professional Connections to secure employment with partners such as Sargento, Johnsonville, Masters Gallery Foods, Pine River, among others. These roles offer flexible schedules compatible with academic commitments and up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement per qualified year. Participants will explore various manufacturing pathways including production operations, supply chain logistics, research development, quality assurance compliance, and more.

Kay Voss, director of UW-Green Bay Career Planning and Professional Connections said: “This program connects area employers with new and current UW-Green Bay students interested in being part of an important industry that drives our local economy.” Voss highlighted how these opportunities allow students to develop essential career readiness skills while pursuing their education at UW-Green Bay.

Upon completion of skill development through the program's offerings—such as workshops on resume building or emotional intelligence—students receive a digital badge from UW-Green Bay which they can showcase on professional platforms like LinkedIn.

Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about this initiative by visiting the Future Leaders in Manufacturing website or contacting a Career Advisor at UW-Green Bay. Employers looking to participate can reach out directly to Kay Voss via email or phone.