Thanks to the growing demand in the state, you can expect to find more careers incorporating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts in the future. According to GlobeNewswire, Wisconsin is expecting to fill over 186,000 STEM positions by 2028, especially in areas like data science, information security, and web development. 

According to Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, the manufacturing industry is experiencing similar growing pains as it needs an estimated 3.8 million workers by 2033. Local high schools have taken notice of the demand, with dozens of students from Door and Kewaunee counties working with the Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (NEWYA) to find career paths at area businesses. For example, 58 percent of Luxemburg-Casco’s 2025 graduating class (88 students) received special recognition from NEWYA, several of whom will be directly entering the workforce with the business they worked with through their apprenticeship.

The demand is also part of why Northeast Wisconsin Technical College restructured its academic offerings this month to create clearer pathways for students looking for their ideal career. NWTC turned its Academic Affairs and Workforce Development divisions into six newly established colleges, including ones for manufacturing and STEM. “This is about more than reorganizing departments — it’s about making it easier for students to start, stay, and succeed,” said NWTC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development, Dr. Kathryn Rogalski. “By aligning programs into six focused colleges, we’re creating clearer pathways through NWTC and into meaningful careers — while strengthening the connection between education, workforce, and community.” NWTC officials hope the restructuring will allow them to adapt to the community's needs and serve students looking to find their calling quickly.