Wisconsin Employers Continue to Express Overwhelming Confidence in Graduates of Wisconsin Technical College System
Friday, August 7th, 2026 -- 11:01 AM
Wisconsin employers continue to express overwhelming confidence in graduates of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), citing strong skills, workforce readiness and educational quality, according to the newly released 2026 WTCS Employer Satisfaction Report.
Employers reported that statewide:
- 97% were satisfied with technical college graduates' education
- 96% would hire a WTCS graduate again
- 92% would recommend a technical college graduate to other employers
- 97% of employers said their local technical college is important to the overall success of their business
The results reinforce findings from the WTCS 2025 Graduate Outcomes Report, which showed that statewide:
- 92% of graduates in the labor force were employed within six months of graduation
- 81% of graduates are working in careers directly related to their training
- Associate degree graduates also reported a median annual salary of just over $60,000 within six months of graduation, demonstrating the strong return on investment a technical college education provides
"Employers consistently tell us that WTCS graduates arrive prepared to contribute immediately," said WTCS President Layla Merrifield. "When businesses say they would hire our graduates again and recommend them to others, it validates the quality of education delivered by Wisconsin's 16 technical colleges and the strong partnerships we maintain with industry across the state."
The employer survey found that businesses value the skills and preparation WTCS graduates bring to the workplace, reflecting the System's close collaboration with employers in developing and delivering more than 500 industry-aligned programs.
These partnerships help ensure students graduate with the technical knowledge, workplace competencies and hands-on experience employers need. WTCS graduates continue to make a significant impact on Wisconsin's workforce and economy.
In addition to high employment rates, 93 percent of graduates remain in Wisconsin after completing their education, helping employers fill critical workforce needs in healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, skilled trades and other high-demand fields.
"These statewide findings demonstrate the value Wisconsin's technical colleges provide to employers every day," said Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik.
"At Mid-State, we're proud to contribute to that success by working alongside business and industry to prepare graduates with the skills, experience and confidence employers need. Together, we're strengthening Wisconsin's workforce and the communities we serve.”
"We continue to hire Mid-State graduates because they arrive ready to contribute,” said David Marten, vice president of Marten Machining, Inc., in Stevens Point.
“They have the technical skills, work ethic and problem-solving abilities that help our team succeed. Our partnership with Mid-State helps us build the skilled workforce our company, and our region, depends on."
The employer satisfaction survey is conducted every four years and measures employer perceptions of WTCS graduates' skills, education and preparedness for employment.
Combined with strong graduate outcomes, the results demonstrate the value Wisconsin technical colleges deliver to both students and employers.
(Photo courtesy of Mid-State Technical College via press release)
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