Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Western is transforming education and workforce development with the upcoming Wanek Center for Innovation, opening in Fall 2025. Created through a complete renovation of the current Business Education Center, this cutting-edge facility will be a hub for advanced manufacturing, industry collaboration, and educational excellence. The Wanek Center is set to revolutionize how students, employers, and educators work together to meet the growing demands of western Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector.

A Hub for Industry Partnerships

The Wanek Center for Innovation will serve as a vital link between Western and our industry partners. Through strategic collaborations, we will provide our students with hands-on learning opportunities, industry certifications, and academic programs designed to align with the evolving needs of the workforce. Our industry partnerships ensure that students are trained using the latest technologies and practices, preparing them to step directly into high-demand jobs.

• Customized Training: Tailored skill development to meet the specific needs of local employers.
• Collaborative Projects: Joint initiatives between students and industry professionals to solve real-world challenges.
• State-of-the-Art Labs: Hands-on instruction in Cyber Security, Web and Software Development, Data Analytics, Robotics, and more, all designed to prepare students for high-tech jobs.

K-12 Academies: Building the Workforce Pipeline

The Wanek Center will house K-12 academies in advanced manufacturing, offering students in our region early exposure to STEM fields, robotics, automation, and more. By building a strong foundation in these areas, we are fostering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

The academies will provide students with:

• Hands-on Learning: Engaging, project-based education that brings real-world manufacturing challenges into the classroom.
• Early College Credit: Opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school, accelerating their path to a rewarding career.
• Industry Tours and Mentorship: Direct connections to local manufacturers, giving students an inside look at careers in advanced manufacturing.

Meeting Western Wisconsin’s Workforce Needs

Manufacturing is the backbone of the economy in western Wisconsin. With an expected 30% increase in demand for skilled workers over the next decade, the Wanek Center for Innovation is positioned to be a driving force in closing the skills gap. Western’s commitment to workforce development is reflected in our 95% employment rate for graduates within six months of completing their programs, many of whom enter the region’s thriving manufacturing sector.

Explore the Wanek Center’s Cutting-Edge Design

The Wanek Center for Innovation will feature two floors of flexible, high-tech spaces designed for collaboration and creativity.

First Floor: Advanced manufacturing labs, classrooms, and open workspaces. 

Second Floor: K-12 academy spaces, student collaboration zones, and a workforce development hub.

Stay tuned for more updates, including progress photos of each floor, as we prepare to open the doors to this exciting new chapter in Western’s commitment to education and workforce development.