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Most Tech Grads Employed : Report

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The state's technical college students are finding jobs according a report released this week. 

The Wisconsin Technical College System Board discussed a recent report of outcomes for 2016 graduates, showing a 93 percent employment rate within six months of graduation.

System spokesperson Conor Smyth says grads are in demand...

"....median annual salary for those with an Associate Degree is $41,000. We also do a five year follow up of our graduates, and that report showed a 54 percent wage growth over that five-year period. Nicolet College is one of five in Wisconsin that offer liberal arts transfer opportunities..."

Smyth says a portion of the 7 percent not employed are students who are continuing with liberal arts studies.

Smith says a reason for the high employment rate is because the schools are closely tied to local employers, as there's a program advisory committee that helps shape curriculum...

"....they have assurance that the graduates know their equipment, know the competencies that are needed regardless of what economic sector we're talking about, health care, manufacturing, agriculture. Those employers have confidence that our graduates will have what they need...."

Smyth says information technology is a stand alone career, but now crosses into most jobs. He says they are looking to bring more women into an IT career. A challenge is enrollment is relatively flat across the system that reflects Wisconsin's demographic challenge.

Not as many young people are graduating from high school along with a wave of Baby Boomer retirements is causing a shortage of workers.

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