Congressman Derrick Van Orden promotes technical education during Sparta visit | News

SPARTA, Wis. (WKBT) — Congressman Derrick Van Orden visited Western Technical College in Sparta Friday to promote technical education and highlight the critical role trade schools play in America’s workforce development.

Van Orden toured the college’s Public Safety Training Facility, which houses state-of-the-art equipment designed to train the next generation of first responders and skilled workers. The facility includes a comprehensive medical simulation lab and a burn tower specifically designed for firefighter training.

During his visit, Van Orden described technical colleges as “the future of American education” and emphasized his commitment to supporting these programs through federal legislation.

“I need to find out what their needs are,” Van Orden said. “Our tech schools are normally funded by the states, but the students themselves have access to Pell grants and other programs.”

The congressman stressed the fundamental importance of skilled trades to America’s infrastructure and quality of life, arguing that practical skills training is essential for the country’s continued prosperity.

“We need to focus on what makes the country work,” Van Orden said. “It doesn’t matter how much money you throw at infrastructure if bridges don’t work. It doesn’t matter what you think your quality of life would be if you don’t have working plumbing. That doesn’t come from a degree in poetry, it comes from a man or woman going to trade school and working hard.”

Van Orden’s visit comes as technical colleges across Wisconsin face ongoing challenges with funding and enrollment.

While state funding provides the primary support for these institutions, federal programs like Pell grants help make technical education accessible to students who might otherwise be unable to afford training.

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