A new partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Northcentral Technical College (NTC) offers students a degree completion program in technology management through both institutions.

Administrators from the schools met today at Greenheck in Wausau to sign an agreement that awards equivalent credits to those who complete four different technology associate degrees at NTC upon entry into UW-Stevens Point’s multidisciplinary major: technology management option. Students would then earn 56-65 credits at UW-Stevens Point to earn a bachelor of science degree. Most of the additional credits are offered online or at UWSP at Wausau.

The applicable NTC associate degrees include mechanical design engineering technology, manufacturing engineering technology, electromechanical technology and automation systems technology.

The agreement represents the culmination of collaborative discussions among regional employers and NTC and UW-Stevens Point representatives to develop academic partnerships that further prepare the workforce in management, engineering and communication skills.

“This kind of educational partnership is invaluable to manufacturing employers,” said Scott Graf, chief manufacturing officer with Greenheck Group. “The future of manufacturing increasingly relies on greater levels of automation and technology, which in turn, requires greater technical management skills. UWSP and NTC have created a flexible program that allows incumbent employees to earn career advancement while remaining employed.”

“We are excited to once again collaborate with our excellent partners at UW-Stevens Point to expand local educational opportunities that directly benefit students and local manufacturers,” said NTC President Jeannie Worden. “This agreement ensures learners have the opportunity to obtain their baccalaureate degree locally, and local employers have access to the skilled workforce they need.”

“This degree completion program was designed to offer students and working adults options to complete a bachelor’s degree and increase their earning potential with flexible class options close to home,” said UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Thomas Gibson. “We are grateful for our regional education and industry partners as we all work together to strengthen our workforce and economy.”