Wisconsin’s food and beverage industry represented 14.3% of Wisconsin’s total economic impact, contributing $116.3 billion in industrial revenues.
Workforce development is a pressing issue for Wisconsin’s food and beverage sector, and FaB Wisconsin is stepping up with a strategic investment in talent. In partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), FaB Wisconsin has secured a $198,593 Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) Grant, aimed at strengthening the industry’s labor force by making training more accessible and affordable.
The grant allows participating FaB members to access critical workforce training at a 65% discount, providing cost-effective upskilling opportunities that support both employee development and industry growth. At a time when talent retention and workforce readiness are top concerns for Wisconsin manufacturers, this initiative helps food and beverage companies stay competitive by ensuring their employees have the skills needed to meet evolving safety and operational standards.
A Competitive Advantage for Wisconsin’s Food and Beverage Sector
Through the WAT Grant, participating businesses can enroll employees in industry-relevant courses, including:
- FaBsafe Certificate® – an online program covering Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety standards, ensuring compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
- MATC-led training in high-demand areas such as Food Quality Management, Manufacturing Maintenance, Leadership Principles, and Emotional Intelligence.
- Workforce agility courses, including Excel training and Command Spanish for Supervisors, to improve operational efficiency and workplace communication.
Workforce Development as an Economic Driver
For economic developers and industry stakeholders, this initiative underscores the critical role of workforce training in retaining talent and driving innovation in Wisconsin’s food and beverage industry—an essential sector in the state’s economy.
“Not only does this grant provide an affordable pathway for our employees to meet compliance and safety standards, but it also reinforces Milwaukee’s standing as a hub for food and beverage manufacturing,” said Wendy Bushell, Chief People Officer at Palermo’s Pizza, one of the participating companies.
MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz emphasized the broader impact: “By investing in upskilling the workforce, we’re ensuring that local businesses remain competitive while supporting economic stability and growth across the region.”
A Model for Other Industries
FaB Wisconsin’s use of the WAT Grant offers a replicable model for other industries seeking cost-effective workforce training solutions. With food and beverage manufacturing facing ongoing challenges—ranging from labor shortages to evolving regulatory requirements—strategic investments like this one help secure the future of Wisconsin’s economy.