Every day, NTC prepares the skilled workforce our region depends on, from nurses, EMTs, police officers, firefighters and childcare professionals to manufacturers, electricians, welders, truck drivers and other essential workers who keep our communities strong.

"At NTC, we see firsthand the impact technical education has on people's lives and on our local economy," said Dr. Jeannie Worden, president of NTC. "The majority of our graduates stay and thrive right here in northcentral Wisconsin.” 

Across Wisconsin, technical colleges educate nearly 300,000 students annually and offer more than 500 programs aligned with workforce needs. Unlike many other higher education systems, technical college graduates overwhelmingly stay in Wisconsin, with 93% living and working in the state after graduation.

Public support reflects that impact. Recent polling found that 76% of Wisconsinites believe their local technical college is important to the success of their community.

A central claim in the recent CROWE report is that Wisconsin technical colleges receive more than $14,000 per student from state and local taxpayers. However, independent analysis from the Wisconsin Policy Forum noted that the report's calculations excluded many of the students actually served by technical colleges, including part-time students, adult learners, apprenticeship students and students enrolled in technical diploma and certificate programs.

In reality, Wisconsin's technical colleges served approximately 293,000 students in 2024-25 while receiving $867 million in state and local operating support, equating to less than $3,000 per student.

At NTC, that investment translates directly into workforce training opportunities that support local employers and address critical labor shortages throughout the region.

Local Impact

• NTC serves 19,000 students annually
• NTC provides training for high-demand jobs that advance the local economy in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, public safety, transportation, agriculture and business.
• 95% of NTC graduates work in Wisconsin
• Nearly 70% of NTC graduates work in northcentral Wisconsin
• NTC operates nimbly and quickly respond and meet workforce needs as they arise across a region that spans 5,900 miles in northcentral Wisconsin. This includes creating new programming in dental therapy, apprenticeship, respiratory therapy and AI while supporting communities through regional campuses and centers of excellence.
• NTC supports large and small businesses alike including employers such as Greenheck, Aspirus, Wausau Supply, Wausau Fire, Incredible Bank, Church Mutual, Kretz Lumer and Northwest Tool. 

Local Governance Drives Local Results

A key strength of Wisconsin's technical colleges is their local governance structure. Each technical college is guided by a district board comprising community leaders, employers, educators and elected officials who understand the unique workforce and economic needs of their region.

Unlike centralized systems, Wisconsin's technical colleges maintain local control over programs, partnerships and investments, allowing colleges to respond quickly to changing employer demands and emerging workforce opportunities.

"Local employers and community leaders have a direct voice in shaping the future of our college," said Dr. Worden. "That local oversight helps ensure we remain responsive to workforce needs and accountable to the communities we serve."

Through appointed district boards, technical colleges can:

• Align programs with regional workforce demands
• Build partnerships with local employers
• Respond quickly to emerging industry needs
• Steward taxpayer resources responsibly
• Ensure decisions reflect local priorities and community input

This local governance model has helped Wisconsin develop the nation's best community and technical college system, connecting education directly to the needs of employers and the aspirations of students throughout the state.

Quality education deserves quality resources

Technical education is also among the most resource-intensive forms of higher education because students learn using the same equipment, technology and environments they will encounter in the workplace. Healthcare, advanced manufacturing, public safety programs and other skilled trades require specialized facilities, modern equipment and instructors with industry expertise.

Yet employer demand continues to exceed capacity in many high-demand fields.

"Businesses throughout our district continue to tell us they need more skilled workers," said Dr. Worden. "Our challenge is not a lack of demand. It's ensuring we have the resources necessary to expand opportunities for students and meet the workforce needs of our communities."

The discussion about technical college funding ultimately comes down to Wisconsin's future.

"Technical colleges are one of Wisconsin's strongest investments," said Dr. Worden. "When we invest in technical education, we're investing in local businesses, family-supporting careers, stronger communities, and a workforce that keeps Wisconsin competitive. That's why our work matters, and that's why our communities continue to support it."