HOPE Initiative

Gateway Technical College’s Highly-Skilled Occupations for Professional Employment (HOPE) Initiative provides training opportunities to employees displaced from work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by a generous donation from SC Johnson, the HOPE Initiative will help students who have become unemployed by funding their education at Gateway, simultaneously assisting individuals by equipping them with necessary skills and supporting economic growth in our community by filling high demand positions in critical industries.

Preference will be given to individuals living in Racine County who have been dislocated from their jobs due to COVID-19 that could benefit from retraining. Spots in the program will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to a limited number of students.
The HOPE Initiative consists of short term certificates related to in-demand career paths in our area, such as healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, IT and culinary. Students will be rapidly trained and quickly re-enter the workforce with the skills they need to get hired.
The program covers the cost of tuition and fees as well as providing career planning, job placement services and a $500 stabilization stipend to support you as you complete your certificate.
Graduates will be prepared for employment in in-demand industries with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Two easy steps to apply!

Applications will be reviewed and funding awarded on a first come first served basis. Students must submit the HOPE Initiative Student Intent Form as well as Gateway Application for Admission including all required supplemental items to be considered.

Complete the HOPE Initiative Intent Form to provide us with some background information on you and your current employment situation.
Complete the Gateway application for admission and all required supplemental items for admission to the certificate you’re interested in.

Questions or need assistance? Please contact a Gateway New Student Specialist at 1-800-247-7122 or newstudentspecialists@gtc.edu.

Basic Cooking Skills

Prepare for a wide range of jobs in the culinary industry by gaining skills in food preparation, cooking techniques, equipment and maintenance, as well as Serve Safe certification.

12 seats | 12 credits | August 31 - December 9
Online and on-campus courses | Racine Campus | Computer and internet access needed

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CNC Operator

Become an entry-level CNC Operator after completing this 13-credit certificate. Develop the skills in quality control, blueprint reading and technology to become responsible for production runs.

12 seats | 13 credits | July 13 - November 19

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Construction Trades

Gain a solid foundation in the basics of construction trades as you prepare for a rewarding, well-paying career building, planning and fixing structures in our community.

12 seats | Summer Semester - Class is full

Forklift Driver

Learn how to prevent accidents and injuries by studying the essentials of forklift operations. You’ll develop skills in operation and load handling hands-on and earn certification after passing a driving test on a forklift. Must be 18 or older.

24 seats | 1 credit | Fall Semester

Google IT Support Professional

Begin an exciting career in a high-demand industry as an IT support professional by studying computer networks, troubleshooting, cloud computing and IT security.

12 seats |5 credits | July 6- November 23
Synchronous online (Mon. 9:20 - 10:20 a.m.) | Computer and internet access needed

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Introductory Industry 4.0

From industrial controls to mechatronics to robotics, this hands-on certificate program will give you the experience and skills needed to break into the booming field of Industry 4.0.

12 seats | 8 credits | August 3 - November 23
Blended in-person and online format | Computer and internet access needed
Mon., Teu., Wed., 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. | iMET Center

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IT - Full Stack Web Developer

Become a web developer in just one semester! You’ll learn concepts and practices in developing modern web applications, including programming and front-end development, as you prepare to start an in-demand IT career.

12 seats |13 credits | July 7 - December 1
Blended in-person and online format | iMET Center| Computer and internet access needed

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Mechanical Maintenance Technician

By the time you finish your Mechanical Maintenance Technician Certificate, you’ll be ready to work in a manufacturing facility. As a maintenance and repair technician, you’ll work with and troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems.

12 seats |10 credits | August 18 - November 25
Blended in-person and online format | Computer and internet access needed
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs. 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. | iMET Center

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Nursing Assistant

Want to become a CNA? Now is your chance! Upon successful completion of this 2-credit course, you will be eligible and prepared to take the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation and begin working in a hospital or care facility.

2 credits | 36 seats | July 27 - September 26
Blended in-person and online format | Computer and internet access needed
Two on-campus full-day labs in September | Racine Campus

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Truck Driving

Earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through Gateway’s comprehensive Truck Driving program. This program covers all aspects of driving, including maintenance, trip planning, customer service and safety, fully preparing you to pass your CDL test after completing the program. Must be 18 or older.

10 credits | 12 seats | Section 1: June 15 - August 22, Section 2: September 22 - November 24
Horizon Center