Wisconsin schools receive grants to train students for skilled trades

MADISON, Wis. — A $408,123 grant will go toward technical education equipment for 17 high school districts across Wisconsin.

The money comes from a round of Wisconsin Fast Forward grants and will compensate schools for purchasing and installing equipment for job training as they look to train students in careers that include robotics, welding, plasma cutting, 3-D printing, drones and more, officials said. The grant is expected to benefit about 4,637 students pursuing advanced manufacturing training, a wing of manufacturing that includes automation and computer technology.

“Advanced manufacturing is an important part of our economy in Wisconsin, and ensuring our children have access to high-demand, highly skilled training opportunities is essential to preparing our future workforce for the 21st century,” Evers said in a statement. “By investing in technical education in school districts across the state, we are connecting the dots and expanding career opportunities for thousands of students while preparing our manufacturers for success,” he added.

The grants cover the purchase of equipment such as numerically controlled machines, welding robots, fiber laser cutting machines and 3D printers.

“Fast Forward grants connect school districts across Wisconsin with some of the best advanced manufacturing companies we have in our state, like Baileigh Industrial and Snap-On, to prepare our future workforce for careers in high-demand, high-skill industries,” state Workforce Secretary Amy Pechacek said in a statement. “The state-of-the-art equipment, including welding robots, cutting lasers, 3-D printers and other high-tech tools, will enable schools to provide courses that are aligned with industry standards and requirements,” she added.

During advanced manufacturing education, high school students can earn dual enrollment credits, industry-validated certifications, and technical endorsements on their high school diplomas.

Here are the 17 school districts and what the grants will be awarded for.

• Muskego-Norway School District, Waukesha County: $50,000

The school district will use the grant funds for electrical manufacturing and wiring training systems. This equipment will provide students with hands-on experience in electrical wiring and heat treatment, diagnostics, troubleshooting and management processes.

• Madison Metropolitan School District, Dane County: $49,208

The school district will use the grant funds to purchase CNC routers, VEX Robotic kits and laser cutters for students interested in robotics, engineering design and smart manufacturing techniques.

• Rhinelander School District, Oneida County: $46,050

The school district will use grant funds for an 80-watt Fusion Pro 36 CO2 laser engraver. This equipment will expand students’ rapid prototyping and exploration of digital manufacturing.

• Jefferson School District, Jefferson County: $38,176

The school district will use the grant funds for mechatronic equipment, a Haas Mini Mill CNC machining center, a Universal Laser System and a WAZER CNC waterjet cutting machine.

• Augusta Area School District, Eau Claire County: $35,798

The school district will use the grant funds for a CRX collaborative robot integration package and a FANUC CNC simulator. The equipment will provide students with industry-recognized FANUC-NOCTI and NIMS certifications.

• Elkhorn Area School District, Walworth County: $33,556

The school district will use the grant funds to purchase a Haas Mini Mill CNC vertical machining center with a 4-axis drive, rotary servo and classroom simulator.

• Port Washington-Saukville School District, Ozaukee County: $29,348

The school district will use grant funds for a Baileigh CNC press brake, a Piranha P-65 Ironworker, and a Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC welder. This equipment will add additional American Welding Society: Schools Excelling through National Skills Education (AWS SENSE) certifications in shielded electric arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding, and will add students who will earn an AWS SENSE level one certification in gas shielded electric arc welding.

• Superior School District, Douglas County: $25,243

The school district will use grant funds to purchase Multimatic 255 multi-process welders, Dynasty 210 TIG welders and accessories to create eight welding booths where students can learn about welding and fabrication processes.

• Hurley School District, Iron County: $20,258

The school district will use grant funds to purchase two manual milling machines and three manual lathes.

• La Crosse School District, La Crosse County: $17,393

The school district will use the grant funds for a 4×4 Foundational Robotics UGV lab, a CNC simulator and TecQuipment Engineering Science kits.

• Two Rivers Public School District, Manitowoc County: $12,630

The school district will use the grant funds to purchase a Snap-On Precision Measurement Training Tool Kit to help students understand the basics of working with precision measurement equipment.

• Wilmot Union High School District, Kenosha County: $12,212

The school district will use the grant funds to purchase a Snap-On Precision Measuring Tool Certification Kit, which will enable students to earn an industry-recognized certification to use precision measuring tools in manufacturing.

• Holmen School District, La Crosse County: $10,869

The school district will use grant funds for a Universal Laser System, a VLS Cylindrical Material Indexer and an AD Oracle iQ computer with compressor to help students explore new career paths in manufacturing.

• Nekoosa School District, Wood County: $9,538

The school district will use grant funds to purchase six Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D printers and two DJI Mini 4 Pro drones to expand its manufacturing course offerings, including dual-credit courses with Mid-State Technical College.

• Spencer School District, Marathon County: $7,844

The school district will use grant funds to purchase an Epilog Fusion Maker 24 40-watt laser engraver. This will allow students to expand their knowledge of digital manufacturing, meeting critical equipment needs and preparing for future careers in manufacturing.

• Peshtigo School District, Marinette County: $5,000

The school district will use grant funds for Oculus Meta Quest headsets, iPads and a hydroponics system to help students gain skills needed for local, in-demand jobs.

• Stockbridge School District, Calumet County: $5,000

The school district will use the grant funds for an Eastwood Elite 4×4 CNC Plasma Table with Plasma Cutter.