Wisconsin's technical colleges are the backbone of many of Wisconsin’s thriving industries. They are critical in keeping hospitals and clinics staffed, manufacturing at the cutting edge, commerce moving efficiently, and police, fire, and emergency responders prepared for action. These colleges also support farmers in maintaining productivity, ensuring power and electricity flow, and keeping IT systems online.
Simply put, our technical colleges deliver Wisconsin’s essential, front-line workforce.
Wisconsin’s technical colleges are open doors to a world of opportunity.
A broad mission means there is room for everyone.
Employers looking for talent, or to advance talent.
High school students eager to earn college credit at no cost, or high school grads interested in efficient, affordable, transferable postsecondary education.
Veterans with an interest in re-skilling or earning a credential.
Adults who need to work while they plan and pursue their next career, or who need to improve their academic or English Language skills to progress.
Workers who want to take advantage of an “earn while you learn” apprenticeship.
Incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals ready to start a new life of prosperity and promise.
Employment
80%
of graduates are employed in a job related to their education
Wisconsin's technical colleges deliver thousands of skilled graduates each year.
Thousands of technical college graduates and apprentices start prosperous careers each year that keep Wisconsin employers competing and communities thriving, with thousands more continuing their education in pursuit of a four-year degree.
Graduates
97%
of graduates were satisfied or very satisfied with their technical college education
Over more than 100 years, Wisconsin’s technical colleges have become uniquely versatile, vital members of the communities they serve.
Our colleges have made themselves invaluable over time, to students and to the employers and communities they serve. Graduates, apprentices, learning in service of the community and so much more.
Close to Home
91%
of technical college graduates live and work in Wisconsin
Priorities
WTCS Ambassador Program
The WTCS Ambassador program annually recognizes one student from each tech college and engages those students in a leadership development program.
Career Pathways
Organizing technical college offerings and services within guided Career Pathways leads to learner success and creates a reliable talent pipeline for Wisconsin employers.
WTCS Student Success Center
Through the Student Success Center, Wisconsin’s technical colleges learn from – and build on – outstanding work at peer institutions, improving student outcomes.
Outcomes-Based Funding
State law requires WTCS to maintain a distinct formula for allocating a portion of general state aid to technical colleges, linking outcomes to investments.
2025-27 Biennial Budget Request
Investment will allow WTCS colleges to expand upon proven strategies to deliver quality education and training to build the skilled talent pool for Wisconsin's employers, increase affordability for students, and support innovation.
5-Year Graduate Follow-Up
Five years after graduation, Wisconsin technical college graduates are essential workers and leaders in the communities they serve.
The technical colleges surveyed nearly 26,000 2013-14 technical college graduates, with more than 6,300 responding.
Read the publication online here or download using the links below.
News
From Training to Career: Ascendium Equips Hundreds of Apprentices with Tools of the Trade Scholarship
Wisconsin employers struggle to find, attract, and keep qualified employees, especially in skilled labor occupations where individuals need specialized training for in-demand jobs. Apprenticeships can offer a solution to employers who face shortages of skilled labor by allowing them to create their own highly skilled workforce. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (Wisconsin DWD-BAS), over 3,000 employers are currently involved in Wisconsin apprenticeship. These employers train thousands of registered apprentices annually in around 200 occupations, with new occupations approved regularly as employment needs shift over time.
WTCS celebrates Aspen Prize winner Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
MADISON – The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) is proud to celebrate Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, of one of its 16 colleges, for winning the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
Apprenticeship Completion Report
Are you curious about how apprenticeships are shaping careers and futures? A recent survey of apprenticeship completers in Wisconsin has some exciting insights to share.