Northwood Tech News

The unit included compact versions of industry equipment and machinery for instruction in areas such as DC and AC electricity, fluid power systems, packaging systems equipment control, and power transmission componentry. Staff rolled the equipment out of the mobile unit and set it up inside the Jack Link’s facility, allowing employees to complete hands-on training without disrupting daily operations.

“Partnerships like this are a great example of innovative workforce development in our region,” said Dr. John Will, president of Northwood Tech. “By working directly with local employers like Jack Link’s, we ensure that our training is relevant, responsive and impactful. Bringing education on-site through mobile units removes barriers and empowers employees to develop skills without leaving their community. This collaboration not only supports individual success, it strengthens businesses and can be a driver of growth and ongoing viability. It’s a true reflection of our mission of putting students first and our vision of transforming communities.”

The partnership between Northwood Tech and Jack Link’s reflects a broader opportunity to support employers throughout the region. By delivering hands-on training directly to rural communities like Minong, the program builds a skilled local workforce while removing barriers to education and creating pathways for career advancement.

In addition to the eight diploma earners, three apprenticeship completers were also honored for their training with Northwood Tech.

“This program represented a meaningful investment in our people and our future,” said Kevin Pagorek, plant manager of Jack Link’s-Minong. “It gave our employees the opportunity to grow professionally while directly supporting our operational goals—for example, improvements in production efficiency such as fewer machine errors and faster setups.

“Having flexible, hands-on training delivered on-site in Minong created a seamless way to upskill our team. This kind of partnership allowed us to align training with our unique needs—like enhanced equipment troubleshooting or faster maintenance response times—and made a real impact on both our workforce and our business.”

The mechatronics basics technical diploma is one part of Northwood Tech’s mobile training initiative, funded by the Workforce Innovation Grant through the Housing Opportunity and Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) project. This initiative aims to increase career training in rural and underserved communities, supporting workforce development where it’s needed most. Upskilling employees through programs like this strengthens local economies by helping businesses operate more efficiently and stay competitive, which in turn supports job retention and fosters growth — key factors in sustaining the economic health of communities across the region. The project has been supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

Employers interested in customized training may contact Northwood Tech at CustomizedTraining@NorthwoodTech.edu.

HOMES Grant Funding Statement 

The three-year, $9.8 million Housing Opportunity & Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) project is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Impact Seven will provide an additional $20 million for sustainable affordable housing options within the district. Northwood Technical College will provide an additional $1.25 million to conduct advanced manufacturing training for the underemployed, unemployed, and special population individuals.