Precision Plus Intern Amanda Mudlaff Receives a $5,000 Scholarship to MSOE

June 11, 2015

Precision Plus Intern Amanda Mudlaff Receives a $5,000 Scholarship to MSOE

$5000, 2015, Amanda Mudlaff, Barry Butters, East Troy High School, June 7, Precision Plus, Scholarship, Senior Awards Ceremony

Michael Reader

Amanda Mudlaff, who has served both as an intern and an apprentice at Precision Plus, received a $5,000 Scholarship to Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).

Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training presented the scholarship to Amanda during the Class of 2015 Senior Awards at East Troy High School, which took place on Sunday, June 7^th.

The Precision Plus Team congratulates Amanda on her achievement.

Industry News

June 8, 2015

Barry Butters of Precision Plus Speaks at the June 2, 2015 Milwaukee7 Council Meeting About Talent and Workforce Development for the Area

Barry Butters, communities, Elkhorn, engage, how to, Lake Geneva, Milwaukee7, Precision Plus, Riviera Ballroom, steps in place, talent development, talent initiatives, Walworth County

Michael Reader

“The Milwaukee7 represents Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Walworth Counties. The aim of the Milwaukee7 is to compete globally in an innovation economy through the unification of this region. Aiding the growth, expansion, and attraction of export driver industries and emerging business sectors, as well as strengthening this region’s ability to innovate, are the key goals of this organization.”

Walworth County hosted a Milwaukee7 Council Meeting on June 2, 2015 at the Riviera Ballroom in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The agenda included presentations by local business leaders to address initiatives already in place to promote regional export of goods and services, as well talent development and acquisition.

Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training at Precision Plus spoke to the group about the company’s talent procurement initiatives. He used some of the slides from Precision Plus’ “13-Step Playbook for Workforce Development” presentation to show examples of how companies can engage their communities for this purpose. He also made reference to Mike Reader, president of the company, as a true visionary on workforce development issues.

Butters invited companies with similar interests in workforce development to reach out to Precision Plus to share and collaborate on solutions, and was commended for delivering an engaging presentation with a great overview on the ways companies can fill their future talent pipeline, and the willingness to help out and promote engagement and partnership.

Contact Barry Butters via email or by phone.

Community Involvement

June 6, 2015

A Complete Day for Three Elkhorn Middle School PLTW Students and Their Teacher

6th graders, Alex Hutson, Automation and Robotics Class, Barry Butters, Elkhorn, Elkhorn Area Middle School, Gwen Nicholas, LEGO, Lesly Rodriguez, PLTW, Precision Plus, Project Lead The Way, Rebecca Kleefisch, teacher, technology and science, Wendy Remeeus, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Alex Hutson has been a teacher in the Elkhorn Area School District in Wisconsin. “This is my fifteenth year teaching in Elkhorn and I have enjoyed being in Elkhorn very much. My wife and I live here in town and we have three of our own kids in the Elkhorn schools,” he states.

Mr. Hutson, as he is known to his students, is also a science and technology buff, always learning something new and putting that knowledge into practice. Personally, he likes to sail and build with LEGO bricks. At school, he is involved in the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch Curriculum for elementary school children and is an adviser for the Elkhorn Technology and Engineering Club (E-TEC) which has groups both in the middle school and high school. He leads the Automation and Robotics Class, which currently focuses on robotics, but is looking to expand into computers and general electronics.

On April 22, 2015, he accompanied three outstanding 6^th grade students from Elkhorn Area Middle School–Wendy Remeeus, Gwen Nicholas and Lesly Rodriguez–to receive a special commendation from Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. On their way back to the school, he and the students made a special stop at Precision Plus to go through a tour of the facility.

This is what happened:

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Precision Plus welcomes students and teachers to tour our facility. To schedule a tour, please contact Barry Butters via email or by phone.

Employee Spotlights

June 4, 2015

John Espinoza, a Model Precision Plus Employee and a Testament to Second Chances

Elkhorn, in jail, involvement, Jail ministry, John Espinoza, learning from mistakes, Mt. Zion Christian Church, parenting classes, Precision Plus, reading to children, second chances, success, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

When things feel as they might be falling apart, they may just be falling into place. Second chances are given out all the time…but they only work when someone takes them.

John Espinoza works as a finishing technician for Precision Plus His shift starts at 11:00 p.m. and ends at 7:30 a.m., just in time to take his young granddaughter Melanie to school. Melanie is a bright kindergartener with aspirations of becoming a doctor when she grows up.

On Monday mornings, after he drops Melanie off, John stays at the school for a couple of hours just to read one-on-one with every kid in Melanie’s class. “I like to read, so it gives me a real kick to experience the kids’ progress from just learning the letters, to reading entire stories—even with the appropriate inflections,” as they bring the stories to life. He credits the class teacher, Mrs. Autumn Petri, who “makes learning so much fun!” He adds, “ The children adore her!” But the children also really look forward to reading with John, whom they have nicknamed “Mr. Noodle,” after the beloved Sesame Street character. On Thursdays, he goes back to volunteer as a lunch parent.

There is nothing that gives John more satisfaction than to be involved in all aspects of Melanie’s life and to be a part of her formative years. Melanie is a busy girl, playing with the “Little Sis” Basketball Team, and with “The Varsity Deli” T-Ball Team, which John also happens to coach. She also attends children’s programs at Mt. Zion Christian Church and has plenty of time to play computer educational games, watch cartoons, and just play, like all kindergarteners should.

John and his wife Alicia are raising Melanie as their own daughter. When Melanie was a baby, her mother (one of John’s two daughters) left to never come back. John and Alicia are Melanie’s legal guardians, and are committed to be there for her every step of the way. John even takes parenting classes at his church.

But things may not have turned out this way, if John didn’t opt for taking a second chance.

Roll back the clock some years. John Espinoza, a third generation Texan of Mexican descent, grew up in mainstream North Dakota. His life was riddled with bad decisions, which put not only his own life in jeopardy, but also those of his first wife and their two young girls. “I was hard on my family,” he recalls. His life fell apart when his wife died. He continued to get involved in situations that eventually led him to spend time in jail.

It was while in jail, that John’s life made a sharp turn for the better. Through the turmoil, he found peace and endurance in the teachings from the Bible.

Fresh out of jail, John needed to find a job to support his family. He had worked as a CNC set up operator before, but now, time and time again his applications were rejected because of his dealings with the law…until he applied to work at Precision Plus, 13 years ago. He explained his situation to Mike Reader, and reassured Mike about the commitment he was willing to make to the company. He asked for a chance, and Mike, willingly, gave it to John. His career at Precision Plus, began as a tumbler.

“Mike was patient and through the years, he has helped to make my quality of life better. Mike makes a personal investment in his people,” adds John, “It goes beyond of just being an employee.”

When John was given a chance to raise his granddaughter, he knew that it was most important to be there for her and to be involved with her, so that Melanie would be better prepared to make the right decisions. “By allowing me to have night hours, Mike gave me the opportunity to spend the time I need to be with Melanie in her upbringing.”

Faith has been paramount in John’s life. But he not only leans on his faith for the second chances he has been given, he also gives back in more than one way. For the last 9 years, John has been preaching at local jails, hoping to impart the gift of a second chance he received once long ago. He also helps nurture a Hispanic group that recently joined Mt. Zion Christian Church.

When things feel as they might be falling apart, they may just be falling into place. Second chances are there for the taking.

Precision Plus is proud to have John Espinoza in its team.

Community Involvement Educational Development

May 31, 2015

Gateway Technical College Celebrates Its Second Round of CNC High School Boot Camp Graduates

2015, Burry Butters, CNC Boot Camp, CNC training, congratulations, Dick Lofy, Gateway Technical College, graduates, iMET Center, Kenosha, precision manufacturing, Precision Plus, Racine, Racine counties, Sturtevnt, Walworth, youth

Michael Reader

Ten Racine High School students successfully completed a 28-week CNC Boot Camp program at Gateway Technical College’s SC Johnson iMET Center in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. The completion ceremony took place on May 29, 2015. Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training at Precision Plus was honored to be a part of the ceremony.

This is the second year during which high school seniors were able to attend a rigorous program that combines regular high school classes with college accredited CNC courses and on-the-job training and mentoring.

A new crop of eager high school seniors is getting ready to begin the 2015-2016 school year Youth CNC Boot Camp on July 13, 2015. For the first time, this program will be offered in three counties within the Gateway district: Racine, Kenosha and Walworth. Information is available by contacting Rick Lofy.

Precision Plus is deeply vested in the Gateway CNC Boot Camp program—especially in its Walworth County, Elkhorn campus. Recently, the company made a $50,000 donation to assist with equipment purchase for the new Elkhorn Campus Manufacturing Center. Barry Butters has also provided guidance to graduating students by sharing the soft skills necessary for seeking a job, and by conducting mock interviews with the graduates. Recently, on May 22^nd, he also spoke to Gateway’s student success staff at the Elkhorn Campus to review the partnerships that exist with local manufacturers.

Precision Plus congratulates the new graduates and wishes them continued success in their manufacturing careers.

Educational Development

May 28, 2015

Precision Plus Continues On Its Manufacturing Pilgrimage, Leaving No Classroom Unturned

Barry Butters, Elkhorn, Elkhorn Area School District, excitement, hands-on, manufacturing., P, PartMaker CAM software, parts, PLTW, Precision Plus, Project Lead The Way, Tibbits Elementary, visit to school, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

On May 15, 2015, Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training, representing Precision Plus of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, visited three 4^th grade classes at Tibbits Elementary School in the Elkhorn Area School District. Earlier in the year, Butters visited second and third graders to create excitement about manufacturing…or making things from scratch, as the school had recently embarked in Project Lead The Way’s (PLTW) Launch Program for young elementary school students.

However, being with the 4^th graders allowed Butters to take the excitement to the next level. “This allowed me to use the Inventor software to probe the students understanding of two dimensional shapes and what happens when the shapes are extruded to a third dimension,” he said, “as when a circle extruded becomes a cylinder.”

Following the presentation, students were able to pick up and explore some of the parts made by Precision Plus, with a better understanding of the process from beginning to end.

Precision Plus thanks the Tibbits Elementary School students and their teachers for their time and attention, and shares their kind thank you notes.

Company Updates

May 24, 2015

Precision Plus of Elkhorn, Wisconsin In The News

$50K donation, CNC courses, Elkhorn, Gateway Technical College, James Lawson, Kenosha News, Mike Reader, PMPA Weekly Reports, Precision Plus, tool and die, welding courses, Wisconsin, Wiscosin

Michael Reader

Following the recent announcement of Precision Plus’ $50,000 contribution to Gateway Technical College Elkhorn Campus’s Manufacturing Center, news media articles appeared on several publications, including the Kenosha News on May 18, 2015, as well as the PMPA’s Weekly Reports Newsletter dated May 21^st.

James Lawson, author of the article on the Kenosha News, explains that the development of the new $1.25 million manufacturing center at Gateway Technical College will directly address the training required by area manufacturers for prospective hires. The manufacturing center will include a computer numerical control (CNC) program for both high school seniors as well as for adults.

“Expanded course offerings in welding, CNC and tool and die will begin in the fall. There will be at least four CNC courses in the curriculum as well as three tool-and-die courses.” These specialized courses are part of a larger curriculum, which leads to students obtaining associate degrees.

Community Involvement

May 15, 2015

Precision Plus Sponsors the 15th Annual Goombay Bash, the Cure for Cancer Fundraising Event Hosted by the H Foundation

2015, basic research, Caribbean themed fundraiser, Chicago, cure for cancer, fundraiser, Goombay Bash, H Foundation, Hawaiian, July 18, Laurie Cancer Center, Mike Reader, Navy Pier, Northwestern University, Precision Plus, research, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, seed money

Michael Reader

On July 18, 2015, the 15^th annual Goombay Bash, a famous “Caribbean Festival to Find a Cure for Cancer” fundraiser will take place at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom in Chicago. All proceeds benefit basic science cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, which accelerate discoveries that can lead to cures.

The H Foundation has raised over $6 million as seed money for cancer research—or money that funds basic research. Typically, larger scale grants are available for research, but only after basic research has been completed showing promising results. Many cures would not be available today, if basic research would not have been funded. So far, the $6 million raised by the H Foundation has resulted in more than $35 million in subsequent funding with extraordinary results.

Precision Plus has been a strong supporter of the H Foundation and the Goombay Bash for more than ten years. This year, however, the company is stepping up its commitment to become a ‘BIG KAHUNA’ Sponsor by donating $10,000 to the organization.

The Goombay Bash, with its lively Caribbean theme, departs from the typical fundraiser event format by encouraging all who attend to sport Hawaiian-styled clothing and leis. This year, actor LaRoyce Hawkins of NBC’s Chicago PD, will emcee the event, which boasts silent auctions, a live drawing of $10,000 raffle prize, a gourmet buffet and fireworks finale. More than 1,000 attendees will continue to make the Goombay Bash at Chicago’s Navy Pier, “the tropical party where everyone wears Hawaiian…while raising money for cancer research.”

Tickets to the event can be purchased through the H Foundation.

Employee Spotlights

May 5, 2015

A Day in the Life of Precision Plus Apprentice Amanda Mudlaff

a day in the life of an apprentice, Amanda Mudlaff, apprenticeships, Barry Butters, bright individuals, East Troy H.S., Elkhorn, extracurriculum activities, Internships, MSOE, Precision Plus, scholarships, Wiscons

Michael Reader

So, what does it take to be a Precision Plus apprentice?

This is Amanda’s story.

Amanda Mudlaff is your typical high school senior, involved in sports—track and field, including pole vaulting, cheerleading, dancing…and homework. Her extracurricular activities include being an FFA member, a wrestling manager, a multi-cultural club member, and a youth cheerleading coach. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Amanda also loves everything marine related. She practically grew up “living” on boats during her summers in Wisconsin, enjoying water sports, boating, and helping take care of her family’s Sea Ray 250 SLX. In fact, her passion for the marine field has inspired her to pursue a degree in marine engineering.

When her junior year shop teacher at East Troy High School mentioned a summer internship opportunity at Precision Plus, Amanda jumped at the opportunity. Not knowing what to expect, she was impressed with the process, as it required filling out an application, going to a formal interview, and having to wait about a week to get a reply. She was accepted into the program, along with 18 other interns, selected from dozens of applications.

The paid summer internship was held from June 15 through the last week of August of 2014, and it required interns to work 40 hours per week. The program included classroom time to learn and design with Autodesk Inventor CAD and PartMaker CAM software, as well as plant, machinery and business processes observation, and hands-on learning on tools and equipment.

When in the summer of 2014, Precision Plus announced their 2014-2015 Apprenticeship Program, Amanda turned in her application again and was subsequently accepted as one of six apprentices. The program expects active participation at both the company and their respective high schools, and the apprentices must adhere to a number of academic standards.

Monday through Friday, Amanda arrives at Precision Plus at 6am and primarily works in the Quality Lab, where she counts the components for a particular order, inspects the finish and checks all dimensions against order specs. She inspects parts visually for chips and she also uses equipment such as calipers, micrometers, oasis, comparators, and gauges to help streamline the process, making sure to record all discrepancies and accept or reject the components. She compares the inspection process with that of an active investigation, where no stone remains unturned.

At 9am, Amanda leaves the plant to go to class, and tend to all of her extracurricular activities.

This fall, Amanda will begin a new chapter in her life as a freshman at Milwaukee School of Engineering, where she will pursue marine engineering as a career. Amanda is also a recipient of one of two $5,000 Precision Plus MSOE merit scholarships.

For more information about Precision Plus’ Summer Internship and School-Year Apprenticeship Programs, please contact Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training via phone or email.

Company Updates

April 26, 2015

Barry Butters Invited to Speak at the 2015 Youth Apprenticeship Forum on April 23 in Wisconsin Dells

Michael Reader

On Thursday, April 23, 2015, Scott Fromader, Youth Education Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the Division of Employment and Training (DET) , the Bureau of Workforce Training (BWT), and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), led a state-wide “Youth Apprenticeship (YA)” Conference in Wisconsin Dells, to address strategic plans for Wisconsin’s talent development that include youth apprenticeships as a catalyst for the success of this endeavor.

Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training at Precision Plus, was asked to be a panelist during the conference.

Wisconsin’s workforce, education and economic development partners have intentionally aligned strategies and resources to address the labor shortage and skills gaps. Collaborative workforce models such as YA and registered apprenticeship can be scaled, expanded and “bridged” to build sustainable local talent pipelines for employers and skilled employment opportunities for students and job seekers. Demand driven models like Wiscosin Fast Forward and the Blueprint for Prosperity have funded almost 20,000 training opportunities for students, job seekers and incumbent workers to gain market-relevant skill sets and employment opportunities. Let’s set a vision for what the YA practitioners in WI can do to leverage the capabilities of collaborative networks and successful workforce models.

The day-long conference covered a myriad of topics which, in one way or another, affect the development of successful youth apprenticeship programs in the State of Wisconsin.

Jim Chiolino, DWD Equal Rights Division, Labor Standards Bureau Director, Joy M. Gander, CPCU, ARM, Principal, Gander Consulting Group, LLC, and Joseph Moreth, DWD, Workers Compensation Division, Bureau of Insurance Programs Director, addressed child labor law, insurance and workers’ compensation impacts and implications. The session’s moderator was Amy Phillips.

Ann Westrich, Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Education Director, Career Prep/YA/K-12/Articulation, spoke about existing and upcoming articulation agreements with Wisconsin’s technical colleges, or the ability to earn transferable college credits while completing a youth apprenticeship certification. Cathy Crary was the moderator.

Karen Morgan, DWD-DET, Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS) Director and Jamie Bernthal, DWD YA Program Coordinator, talked about strategies for placing youth in registered apprenticeship programs.

Robin Kroyer-Kubicek, Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Career Pathways Education Consultant, addressed youth apprenticeships, work-based learning, certification and academic and career planning as discussed with DPI.

Scott Fromader, DWD-DET, BWT, WIA Youth Education Consultant, explained both the Workforce Investment Act and the Workforce Innovate and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Programs in detail. The moderator for this session was Phil Koenig.

Phil Koenig served again as moderator for the session on how social media impacts the world of workforce programs. The session’s panelists were Andre Small, DWD-DET, BJS, Business Service Section Chief, Meghan Spranger, DWD Office of the Secretary, Communications Specialist Advisor, and George (Dom) Tervalon, DWD-DET, BJS, Employer Consultant Specialist.

Shelly Harkins, DWD-DET, Office of Skills Development Program Outreach, Barry R. Butters, Director of Education & Training, Precision Plus, Elkhorn, WI, Tania Kilpatrick, Career and Technical Education Coordinator and YA Regional Coordinator, CESA 6, Jill Preissner, YA Regional Coordinator Sheboygan Area YA Consortium, Cyndy Sandberg, YA Alternate Regional Coordinator, SC WDB YA Consortium & YA Coordinator, Jefferson County YA Consortium, Kristine Niehus, Director, Human Resources at CL&D Graphics, and Paul Liethen, School District of West Salem, Technology Education were panelists for the program entitled “Wisconsin Fast Forward: A Blueprint for Prosperity Through Education and Business Partnership Collaborations.” The core message centered on collaborative efforts between school districts, technical collages and businesses to “provide high school pupils with industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields,” and how DWD’s programs bring it all together. The moderators were Cathy Crary and Lori Uttech-Hanson.

Lisa Perkofski, DWD-DET, BAS, Apprenticeship Training Representatives, Area #8: Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago counties and Ben Stahlecker, DWD-DET, BAS, Apprenticeship Training Representative, Area #4: Adams, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Price, Taylor, Vilas, and Wood counties, led the workshop entitled “Registered Apprenticeship: A Strategic Advantage for Today’s Workforce,” or anticipating industry needs by having apprenticeships programs available for students in advance. Jamie Bernthal was the moderator.

Meredith Dressel, DWD-DVR, Bureau of Consumer Services, Deputy Director, provided an overview of DVR services, including “initiatives to promote employment opportunities for youth with disabilities.” The session was entitled “Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Transition Youth Initiative and promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) Grant. The moderator was Scott Fromader.

Cathy Crary, DWD-DET, BWT, Youth and At-Risk Programs Section Chief, Tom Martin, Southwest WI YA Regional Coordinator, Cyndy Sandberg, South Central WI YA Alternate Regional Coordinator and Jefferson County YA Coordinator, discussed YA program budget, legislative, policy and administration updates.

Finally, facilitators Jamie Bernthal and Amy Phillips, DWD YA Program coordinators, led a discussion giving YA consortiums an opportunity to highlight best practices and exchange ideas.

Participants left with valuable takeaways to implement.

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Tag : Precision Plus