RICE LAKE, Wis.— Jack Link’s and Northwood Technical College recognized eight Jack Link’s employees on May 22 for completing the one-year mechatronics basics technical diploma through customized, on-site training.
The ceremony, held at the Jack Link’s Aquatic Center in Minong, celebrated the employees’ dedication and professional growth as part of a workforce development partnership between the company and Northwood Tech. The training, delivered from Sept. 2023 through May 2025, brought advanced manufacturing education directly to the Jack Link’s facility taught by Northwood Tech faculty and using the College’s Industry 4.0 – Advanced Manufacturing Mobile Training Unit.
The unit included compact versions of industry equipment and machinery for instruction in areas such as DC and AC electricity, fluid power systems, packaging systems equipment control, and power transmission componentry. Staff rolled the equipment out of the mobile unit and set it up inside the Jack Link’s facility, allowing employees to complete hands-on training without disrupting daily operations.
“Partnerships like this are a great example of innovative workforce development in our region,” said Dr. John Will, president of Northwood Tech. “By working directly with local employers like Jack Link’s, we ensure that our training is relevant, responsive and impactful. Bringing education on-site through mobile units removes barriers and empowers employees to develop skills without leaving their community. This collaboration not only supports individual success, it strengthens businesses and can be a driver of growth and ongoing viability. It’s a true reflection of our mission of putting students first and our vision of transforming communities.”
Graduates and apprenticeship completers from Jack Link’s were recognized during May ceremony in Minong for completing customized, on-site training through Northwood Technical College. Pictured with the group are (from far left) Northwood Tech President Dr. John Will; back row center, Jack Link’s Plant Manager Kevin Pagorek; back row right, Northwood Tech Associate Dean of Workforce & Community Development BJ Williams; next to him, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Aliesha Crowe; and far left in front, Dean of Manufacturing, Apprenticeship and K-12 Relations Jeanne Germaine.
The partnership between Northwood Tech and Jack Link’s reflects a broader opportunity to support employers throughout the region. By delivering hands-on training directly to rural communities like Minong, the program builds a skilled local workforce while removing barriers to education and creating pathways for career advancement.
In addition to the eight diploma earners, three apprenticeship completers were also honored for their training with Northwood Tech.
“This program represented a meaningful investment in our people and our future,” said Kevin Pagorek, plant manager of Jack Link’s-Minong. “It gave our employees the opportunity to grow professionally while directly supporting our operational goals—for example, improvements in production efficiency such as fewer machine errors and faster setups.
“Having flexible, hands-on training delivered on-site in Minong created a seamless way to upskill our team. This kind of partnership allowed us to align training with our unique needs—like enhanced equipment troubleshooting or faster maintenance response times—and made a real impact on both our workforce and our business.”
The mechatronics basics technical diploma is one part of Northwood Tech’s mobile training initiative, funded by the Workforce Innovation Grant through the Housing Opportunity and Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) project. This initiative aims to increase career training in rural and underserved communities, supporting workforce development where it’s needed most. Upskilling employees through programs like this strengthens local economies by helping businesses operate more efficiently and stay competitive, which in turn supports job retention and fosters growth — key factors in sustaining the economic health of communities across the region. The project has been supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
Employers interested in customized training may contact Northwood Tech at CustomizedTraining@NorthwoodTech.edu.
HOMES Grant Funding Statement
The three-year, $9.8 million Housing Opportunity & Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) project is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Impact Seven will provide an additional $20 million for sustainable affordable housing options within the district. Northwood Technical College will provide an additional $1.25 million to conduct advanced manufacturing training for the underemployed, unemployed, and special population individuals.
About Northwood Technical College
Northwood Technical College is a nationally top-ranked college and designated Silver 2025-26 Military Friendly® School that puts Students First. Northwood Tech serves the educational and career needs of approximately 13,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year. With multiple campuses, Northwood Tech offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized business training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. Northwood Tech is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). For more information, call 800.243.9482 or visit NorthwoodTech.edu.
Northwood Technical College is grateful for all its community partnerships. Your support of the Northwood Tech Foundation is essential to student success. For information on how to contribute, visit NorthwoodTech.edu/donate.
Northwood Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions or status in any group protected by state or local law in employment, admissions or its programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policies: Amanda Gohde, AA/EEO Officer/Title IX Coordinator/Associate Vice President of Talent and Culture; 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI 54868; 715.645.7042; Wisconsin Relay System TTY:711; Amanda.Gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu.
Last Update: Jun 18, 2025 5:33 am CDT
