ACABT Goals

The project has two fundamental goals: (1) meet the industry need for skilled advanced building technicians and (2) increase the recruitment and retention of students from underserved communities. Industry has supported MATC in the development of a diploma program, four digital badges, a pre-apprenticeship and an apprenticeship program to provide students with the skills needed and multiple pathways into employment. The digital badges are stepping stones to the diploma, and the pre-apprenticeship creates a separate pathway. Both provide a pathway to associate degrees such as the Individualized Technical Studies degree. To address the needs of underserved communities and improve retention, local industry has committed to hiring these students in paid internships as they continue in the program. The project will combine community-based outreach and case management efforts with local government funded support for child care, transportation and subsistence. The project will provide workshops in the community to expose participants to career opportunities in advanced building technologies through hands-on lab activities, career information and job prospects. As underserved participants enter the program at MATC they will benefit from support services provided by the City of Milwaukee, community based organizations, local employers, and MATCs success coaches and other services.