4 min read / April 9, 2025
April 9, 2025 -- In partnership with Employ Milwaukee and the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, Komatsu proudly announces the successful completion of three internships funded by the Skills to Build grant. This collaboration highlights Komatsu’s commitment to fostering local talent in Southeast Wisconsin and strengthening the region’s workforce in advanced manufacturing, information technology and professional services.
Through the Skills to Build grant, a program made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, Komatsu welcomed three interns from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). These students gained hands-on experience in data science, business intelligence and user experience (UX)/user interface (UI) design, furthering their careers and strengthening Milwaukee’s talent pipeline.
As a result of this program, two interns will continue their employment with Komatsu, while the third will pursue a master’s degree in data science. “This internship allowed me to apply my UX/UI skills to real-world projects, from redesigning internal SharePoint sites to creating mockups that support data visualization efforts,” said Olivia Eldredge, UX/UI intern from MSOE. “I gained invaluable experience working with cross-functional teams, which has prepared me for the next stage of my career.”
Beatrice Alvares, a Business Intelligence Analytic Engineering intern from UWM, also reflected on her experience: “At Komatsu I am encouraged to collaborate with engineers and analysts to develop python automation scripts and create real time data visualizations, providing actionable insights through Power BI. I gained hands on experience optimizing data workflows and tackling real-world problem-solving challenges. Beyond the technical development, this experience has equipped me with the skills and confidence to take the next step in my career.”
The Skills to Build grant provides a unique opportunity for Employ Milwaukee to support internships in the local business community across advanced manufacturing, information technology and professional/technical Services. “This partnership between Komatsu and Employ Milwaukee is a testament to the power of collaboration in building a skilled and sustainable workforce,” said Julie Cayo, Interim CEO of Employ Milwaukee. “By connecting students with industry leaders, we are fostering a pipeline of local talent equipped to meet the demands of today’s job market.”
“MKE Tech Hub is excited to be Employ Milwaukee’s tech outreach partner in the Skills to Build grant. Together, we constructed a grant that provides the flexibility employers need to develop in demand skills for their workforce through internships, apprenticeships, new hire training and upskilling,” said Kathy Henrich, CEO of MKE Tech Hub Coalition.
Komatsu’s engagement in this initiative underscores its dedication to creating opportunities for diverse talent in STEM fields. Two of the three interns were women, and the program reinforces that Milwaukee offers strong career pathways in technology and engineering.
The partnership between Komatsu, Employ Milwaukee and the MKE Tech Hub Coalition showcases the value of investing in local talent and rewriting the narrative that students must look outside Wisconsin for career opportunities. Komatsu is committed to not only developing cutting-edge solutions for mining but also nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Through the program, Komatsu and its partners have demonstrated that the intersection of business, education and workforce development can create lasting impacts, ensuring that Milwaukee remains a thriving hub for technology and innovation. Komatsu is proud to support these students and looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Employ Milwaukee and MKE Tech Hub Coalition to expand opportunities for future talent.
For additional information on Komatsu career opportunities, please visit www.komatsu.com/careers.
About Komatsu
Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, manage forests and create consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations to help enhance safety and promote productivity while working to optimize performance.
About Employ Milwaukee
Employ Milwaukee is the local workforce development board serving Milwaukee County. By convening leaders from business and industry, economic and workforce development, education and training as well as community partners and policy makers, our vision is to develop workforce solutions that promote regional economic growth and employment opportunity for all job seekers. To learn more, please visit www.employmilwaukee.org.
About the MKE Tech Hub Coalition
The MKE Tech Hub Coalition is a non-profit organization which serves as a unifying voice for Milwaukee’s tech community, working with others to grow a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem where tech and innovation create enduring regional prosperity and good jobs. Over 140 member organizations collaborate to attract individuals and businesses to the region, build a skilled talent pipeline, and scale the innovation ecosystem. To learn more about our organization, visit www.mketech.org. For more information on the Skills to Build grant for tech, visit www.mketech.org/tech-skilling.
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