The Wisconsin Technical College consortium has been named a Microsoft Training Service Partner (TSP), recognizing the consortium’s ability to deliver training services in alignment with Microsoft’s high standards of quality, accuracy, and relevance. As a Microsoft TSP, the consortium will have access to official Microsoft courseware and help provide job-ready skills for cloud, AI, security, and productivity bringing valuable AI training and industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications and Applied Skills credentials to communities across Wisconsin. This marks a significant step in accelerating AI skilling, driving AI innovation, and supporting AI adoption for thousands of educators, employees, and students across Wisconsin.

As AI rapidly transforms industries and becomes a general-purpose tool for innovation, Wisconsin’s technical colleges are leading the way to ensure educational institutions and businesses are prepared for the future. The new consortium will leverage Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) to deliver advanced technology courses, bootcamps, and certification programs, equipping attendees with vital Microsoft technology skills to thrive in the digital economy.

“AI is opening doors to innovation, entrepreneurship, and new ways of working,” said Dr. Darren Ackley, Vice President and Provost of Northcentral Technical College. “Our mission is to empower every educator, employee, and student with the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven world. Becoming a Microsoft TSP enables us to deliver high-impact training and expand access to cutting-edge learning resources statewide.”

This initiative builds on recent success, as last year’s Microsoft Learn for Educators AI bootcamp trained over 40 technical college educators, resulting in a dramatic increase in students learning Microsoft skills. The new consortium aims to scale this impact even further, with a goal to train thousands of individuals through Microsoft accelerators, bootcamps, and certification classes.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Wisconsin’s technical colleges to empower students and educators with essential AI skills”, shares Michelle Schuler, Microsoft TechSpark. “Together, we’re building a future, where everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive in the evolving digital workforce.”

Wisconsin’s technical colleges play a critical role in regional business development, partnering with employers to ensure all learners possess the advanced skills needed for organizational success. By establishing a unified approach to AI and technology education, the consortium will help maintain Wisconsin’s leadership as a national innovator in emerging technologies.

For more information about the consortium and upcoming training opportunities, please visit www.WTCSystem.edu/colleges or contact Brad Gast, Dean of Workforce Training + Professional Development at Northcentral Technical College, by emailing gast@ntc.edu.