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.

Register for an upcoming HOPE Initiative Workshop July 23 at 4:30 p.m. or July 27 at 10 a.m. to find out more. 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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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
Section 1: September 14, 21 and 28 | Section 2: October 5, 12 and 19

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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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