Per Scholas and The Campbell's Company Partner to Launch Advanced Manufacturing Training Program in Greater Milwaukee

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Per Scholas, a workforce accelerator providing no-cost training for high-growth careers, today announced a new partnership with The Campbell's Company to launch its first Advanced Manufacturing Technician training program in the Greater Milwaukee area. Supported by a $500,000 investment from The Campbell's Company, including $250,000 to fund the inaugural cohort in Greater Milwaukee, the 15-week program will prepare 25 learners for entry-level careers in manufacturing and industrial technology.

The partnership builds on a year-long planning collaboration between the two organizations, during which Per Scholas conducted extensive research into the technical skills required in today's manufacturing environment. The planning process included site visits to Campbell's facilities, interviews with experienced technicians, and observation of high-speed production lines. Per Scholas also conducted a workforce benchmarking study of more than 200 technicians, identifying critical skills needed for industrial maintenance.

That research informed the development of Per Scholas' new Advanced Manufacturing Technician curriculum, a 400+ hour immersive program designed around the real-world technical demands of modern manufacturing. Learners will develop skills in industrial electricity, fluid power, troubleshooting motor-driven systems, and precision maintenance, while earning industry-recognized OSHA-10 and NFPA 70E safety credentials.

"Manufacturing is evolving rapidly, and employers need technicians who can bring both technical skills and the ability to adapt to increasingly sophisticated industrial environments," said Caitlyn Brazill, President of Per Scholas. "Our partnership with The Campbell's Company allows us to build this program from the ground up around the needs of modern manufacturing. The inaugural cohort in  Greater Milwaukee represents an important first step in creating new pathways into high-quality careers and expanding our work into communities where employers need skilled talent."

The new program comes at a critical time for the manufacturing sector. According to a Deloitte report, the industry is expected to need an additional 1.9 million workers nationally by 2033, while retirements are creating additional pressure on employers to develop the next generation of skilled technicians.

"Investing in communities means creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact on people's lives," said Kate Barrett, director of community affairs at The Campbell's Company. "Through our partnership with Per Scholas, we're helping people gain the skills, training, and connections they need to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades. We're proud to support a program that opens doors and career opportunities for community members while building the future talent pipeline for companies like ours."

Through the program, learners will be prepared for roles such as Manufacturing Technician and Automation Technician. The training also focuses on technical competencies that are difficult to automate, equipping graduates for hands-on infrastructure careers that can remain resilient as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the labor market.

"Modern manufacturing requires a highly skilled workforce that can keep pace with increasingly sophisticated equipment and technology," said Brendan Washington, senior vice president of manufacturing for The Campbell's Company. "Our partnership with Per Scholas enables us to invest in the next generation of manufacturing talent while creating more opportunities for people to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades. We're proud to support the launch of this program in Greater Milwaukee and strengthen the talent pipeline our industry depends on."

With strategic support from Focusing Philanthropy, Per Scholas is expanding access to resilient careers in the AI era, including hands-on fields such as advanced manufacturing, physical technology, and critical infrastructure. The Advanced Manufacturing Technician program is part of the Resilient Careers in the AI Era Initiative, which is expanding access to high-growth career opportunities as technology and the workforce evolve.

The Greater Milwaukee launch marks Per Scholas' entry into Advanced Manufacturing training. The organization plans to use the inaugural program as a blueprint for bringing the curriculum to additional communities across its national network, particularly in regions with strong manufacturing ecosystems and unmet demand for skilled technical talent. Campbell's $250,000 grant to launch this training track will support the recruitment, instruction, and career preparation of the inaugural cohort, enabling Per Scholas to deliver intensive, expert-led training at no cost to participating learners.

"This investment is about more than launching a single training program," said Brazill. "It is about building a scalable model to prepare people for the future of manufacturing while helping employers strengthen the talent pipelines they depend on. We're excited to bring this opportunity to Greater Milwaukee and to build on what we learn here as we expand nationally."

For more information about the program, visit https://www.perscholas.org/locations/milwaukee/.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a proven talent accelerator that delivers results, transforms lives, strengthens businesses, and builds opportunity nationwide.

Since 1995, we've provided no-cost training to 35,000+ professionals in sought-after skills. Our responsive training closes hiring gaps in months, delivering day-one-ready talent. With 25+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers, from Fortune 500 companies to startups, to build talent pipelines in fields like Data Centers, AI, Advanced Manufacturing, Critical Facilities, Cybersecurity, and Cloud.

Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on social media.

About The Campbell's Company

For more than 155 years, The Campbell's Company has been connecting people through food they love. Headquartered in Camden, N.J. since 1869, generations of consumers have trusted Campbell's to provide delicious and affordable food and beverages. Today, the company is a North American focused brand powerhouse, generating fiscal 2026 net sales of $9.7 billion across two divisions: Meals & Beverages and Snacks. For more information, visit www.thecampbellscompany.com.

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SOURCE Per Scholas