Scholarship funds support students enrolled in high-demand programs
Uponor has donated $10,000 to support Workforce Development Scholarships (WDS) at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC). An indoor climate, plumbing, and infrastructure solutions company, Uponor North America (UNA) operates its North American headquarters in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
Amy Eppen, foundation development director at the college, reported that Uponor representatives traveled to the DCTC campus in Rosemount, Minnesota, on Friday, February 26, 2021, to present the $10,000 check. On hand were Ingrid Mattsson, UNA director of Brand and Corporate Social Responsibility, and Scott Kies, UNA director of IT Analytics and Manufacturing.
“Uponor’s $10,000 donation helps fund $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarships for the 2021–2022 school year,” Amy said. “Uponor’s scholarship support is earmarked for students earning degrees in the Architectural Technology, Networking Administration and Industrial Engineering Technician programs at DCTC.”
Amy added that the Minnesota State Legislature will match Uponor’s donations, doubling the amount and ultimately supporting eight DCTC students pursuing high-demand occupations.
Funding Workforce Development Scholarships aligns closely with the UNA objective to train and equip skilled tradespeople for the future. “Reaching out to students is one of our top priorities, because it helps support the next generation of professionals coming into the workforce,” Ingrid Mattsson said.
Scott Kies, UNA director of IT Analytics and Manufacturing, Ingrid Mattsson, UNA director of Brand and Corporate Social Responsibility, Amy Eppen, DCTC Foundation development director
About Uponor North America
Based in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Uponor North America (UNA) strives to be the partner plumbing and HVAC professionals rely on for smart water and energy solutions. The company is helping to move the construction industry forward through innovation, education and advocacy focusing on the defining issues of our time: water, energy and labor.
An award-winning manufacturer of PEX piping and the exclusive marketer/distributor of Uponor PP-RCT in North America, the company offers plumbing, fire safety, radiant heating/cooling, hydronic piping, and pre-insulated piping system solutions for new construction, retrofits and remodels in the residential and commercial markets.
Uponor partnered with Belkin International in 2016 to form Phyn, a new intelligent water company that is revolutionizing the way consumers interact with water and helping solve major challenges facing the global water supply.
Recognized for best-in-class manufacturing, sustainability, economic development and as a top workplace, the Uponor group of companies employs more than 3,800 worldwide. Uponor’s global headquarters are located in Vantaa, Finland.
LEARN MORE…
UNA experts serving on DCTC program advisory boards
Three UNA employees are volunteer members of the college’s program advisory boards. Along with other industry representatives, they are providing their technical knowledge and career-field experience to help faculty develop program curricula that best prepare students for their future occupations. Program advisory boards typically meet once per semester.
The mission of Dakota County Technical College is to provide collegiate-level education for employment that will empower individuals to enhance their opportunities for career advancement and success in a global economy.
Gordon Taylor
UNA Plant Master Electrician
Industrial Engineering Technician Advisory BoardMatt O’Connell
UNA Director of Construction Services
Architectural Technology Advisory BoardScott Kies
UNA Director of IT Analytics & Manufacturing
Networking Administration Advisory Board
More about Workforce Development Scholarships (WDS)…
The Minnesota Legislature has provided funding for hundreds of $2,500 scholarships at the 30 Minnesota State technical and community colleges across a range of high-demand fields:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Health Care Services
- Information Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Transportation
Eligibility
- Enrolled in a high-demand occupation within an eligible program
- 9 credits per term; 2.0 GPA, Minnesota resident
- $1,250 award per term ($7,500 maximum over three years)
- Preference for students in financial need
- Adult students and third-year transfer students to state university are eligible
DCTC students can begin applying for Workforce Development Scholarships in mid-April 2021 for fall semester 2021 at:
SCHOLARSHIPS
Learn more about Workforce Development Scholarships and the DCTC Foundation by contacting:
Amy Eppen
Foundation Development Director
651-423-8265
DCTC Alumni Association on Facebook
DCTC Alumni on LinkedIn
Learn more about the Industrial Engineering Technician program at DCTC by contacting:
Don Deutsch
Industrial Engineering Technician Faculty
651-423-8468
Learn more about the Architectural Technology program at DCTC by contacting:
Anne Painter
Architecture Technology Faculty
651-423-8613
Learn more about the Networking Administration program at DCTC by contacting:
Betty Krueger
Information Systems Technology Faculty
651-423-8560
Industrial Engineering Technicians
What Industrial Engineering Technicians Do
Industrial engineering technicians assist industrial engineers in creating systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.
Pay
The median annual wage for industrial engineering technicians was $56,550 in May 2019.
How to Become an Industrial Engineering Technician
Industrial engineering technicians typically need an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. Community colleges or technical institutes typically offer associate’s degree programs, and vocational–technical schools offer certificate programs.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks.
Pay
The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $83,510 in May 2019.
How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require only a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree.
Drafters
What Drafters Do
Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.
Pay
The median annual wage for drafters was $56,830 in May 2019.
How to Become a Drafter
Drafters typically complete education after high school, often through a program at a community college or technical school. Some programs lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree. Others result in a certificate or diploma.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
