Upwardly Mobile

Electro-Mechanical Technology student Lindsey Wilharms is combining on-the-job experience with an FVTC education to get ahead.

As a full-time product tester at Miller Electric Mfg. Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding and cutting equipment, Lindsey Wilharms juggles her work schedule in order to take classes at Fox Valley Technical College. “Every course I take helps me understand more about what I’m doing at work,” says the 32-year-old Neenah resident. “The more I learn, the more I believe I can advance my career at Miller.”

After high school, Wilharms worked a variety of jobs with no real career goal in mind. However, once hired at Miller Electric, she discovered her true potential. “I had always been interested in how things work,” she states. “I took an electronics class in high school and really like it. So, this job seemed like a good choice.”

Once she started at Miller Electric on the assembly line, Wilharms learned that the company encourages employees to seek more education and training. “If you do well, the company will pick up the cost of your books and tuition,” she states. “So, it was an easy decision to get more education. I enrolled at Fox Valley Tech in its Electro-Mechanical Technology program because those classes are helping me in my job.”

Today, Wilharms tests finished products. “If one doesn’t pass, I put it aside for the techs to review,” she says. “However, with what I’ve learned at Fox Valley Tech and through experience and learning from the Miller techs, I can often fix many problems myself.”

The flexible class schedule at FVTC has helped Wilharms continue to work while going to school. “I can take classes after work, at night, or on weekends,” she says. “And the college’s hands-on approach has helped me because I learn best by doing.”

Once she earns her degree, there will be no stopping Wilharms. “I can work in the lab or in the office,” she says. “I know people who took management classes and went from working on the line to an office position. If you have the credentials here at Miller, when a job opens up, you are encouraged to apply for it!”

Made to Work

Three-year snapshot of graduates of Fox Valley Technical College’s Electro-Mechanical Technology program:

• 95% graduate placement*
• 140+ average annual job postings in northeast Wisconsin for electro-mechanical professionals**

*2012 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report
**Wisconsin TechConnect