The power of strategic workforce development partnerships is crystal clear in the journey of Beatrice Alvares, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student. Through the Skills to Build grant program, a collaboration between MKE Tech Hub Coalition, Employ Milwaukee and employers such as Komatsu, Beatrice secured a Business Intelligence Analytic Engineering internship that has launched her career.

“At Komatsu, I’m encouraged to collaborate with engineers and analysts to develop python automation scripts and create real-time data visualizations,” Beatrice shared. “Beyond the technical development, this experience has equipped me with the skills and confidence to take the next step in my career.”

The Skills to Build grant provides employers the flexibility they need to develop in-demand skills through internships, apprenticeships, and targeted training initiatives. For students, this grant creates pathways for those in advanced manufacturing, information technology, and professional services – all critical growth sectors in the Greater Milwaukee region.

Beatrice is one of two interns from this program who will continue their employment with Komatsu. Strategic partnerships like this help build sustainable talent pipelines that benefit both students and local businesses.

The Power of Partnership

The Skills to Build grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, has enabled Komatsu to welcome three talented interns from Milwaukee School of Engineering and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. These students gained valuable hands-on experience in data science, business intelligence, and user experience/user interface design—critical skills needed in today’s tech-driven manufacturing environment.

As Employ Milwaukee’s tech outreach partner for this initiative, MKE Tech Hub Coalition has helped construct a program that provides employers the flexibility they need to develop in-demand skills through various pathways.

“MKE Tech Hub is excited to be Employ Milwaukee’s tech outreach partner in the Skills to Build grant,” explains Kathy Henrich, CEO of MKE Tech Hub Coalition. “Together, we constructed a grant that provides the flexibility employers need to develop in-demand skills for their workforce through internships, apprenticeships, new hire training and upskilling.”

Rewriting the Narrative

Stories like Beatrice’s challenge the perception that students must look outside Wisconsin for promising tech careers. Through strategic partnerships with employers like Komatsu and workforce development agencies like Employ Milwaukee, we’re demonstrating that Milwaukee has the infrastructure, opportunity, and community to support thriving tech careers.

The Skills to Build grant is just one example of how MKE Tech Hub Coalition is working to grow a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem where tech and innovation create enduring regional prosperity and good jobs. By connecting talented individuals with meaningful career opportunities, we’re not just filling jobs—we’re building careers and strengthening Milwaukee’s position as a technology hub.

Get Involved

Are you an employer interested in participating in the Skills to Build program? Visit www.mketech.org/tech-skilling to learn how we can help you develop your future workforce.

For students and job seekers looking to explore tech opportunities in Milwaukee, visit choosemketech.org.