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MANUFACTURING TODAY WI | FALL 2025 15

Campbellsport School District Awarded $225,000 in Grants and

Business Match to Enhance Tech Ed and Robotics Education

high school. Each year,
students may enroll in a
general metal technology
class that builds on prior
learning. Early courses
introduce welding,
machining, and sheet
metal while also empha-
sizing broader skills such
as print reading, entre-
preneurship, design, and
problem-solving. As they
advance, students move
into more specialized
classes, including Welding
Theory, Machining
Theory, Advanced Manu-
facturing, and Innovative
Fabrication. Several of these courses are Another way the department sparks
offered as dual credit, in partnership with interest in technical education is through
the local technical college, allowing stu- Career Explorer, a Career and Technical
dents to earn both high school and college Education (CTE) event hosted at Marsh-
Jennifer L. Fredrick the past three years, an average of 280 students credit while building technical skills. field High School. Each year, all sixth
Career & Technical Education Coordinator annually, have chosen courses in this pathway, Hands-on projects are central to the cur- graders in the school district and their
Marshfield High School demonstrating both the program’s appeal and its riculum. Fabrication and welding students teachers are invited to learn about future
Marshfield High School, home to 1,200 role in preparing students for technical careers. design and build can crushers, automotive careers, explore workplace skills, and dis-
students, has seen strong and consistent enroll- The program is designed to allow creeper stools, and trailers. Machining cover CTE course options. In the metal
ment in its metal technology program. Over steady growth as students progress through students craft dice, levels, hammers, screw- technology area, sixth graders partner
drivers, and pens, while sheet metal classes with a high school student to fabricate a
produce toolboxes, grills, and other func- “nuts and bolts animal.” These engaging
tional products. These projects provide activities introduce younger students to
tangible results, showing students how technical skills in a fun, hands-on way and
classroom instruction translates into real- encourage them to explore CTE course-
Solid world applications. work as they move into middle and high
school.
Beyond the classroom, many students
as the gain professional experience through Wis- grams, Marshfield’s faces challenges with
Like many technical education pro-
consin’s Youth Apprenticeship program.
Castings By dividing their time between school and facilities. The current metal technology
lab, built in the 1960s, is overcrowded and
local employers, they earn wages while
outdated. Recognizing the importance of
We applying technical skills in authentic work- updating the space, the community sup-
place settings. These apprenticeships often
ported a school district referendum in
Create lead directly to post-graduation employ- fall 2024 to fund a major renovation and
ment or advanced training, giving students
expansion. Construction on the new state-
a strong head start in the workforce.
Local industry partnerships have also of-the-art facility is scheduled to begin in
played a critical role in shaping and sustain- spring 2026, with completion targeted for
ing the program. Companies collaborate 2028.
with the school to provide mentorship, This investment represents far more
job opportunities, and updated equip- than new walls and equipment. It reflects a
ment. Recent investments have included shared commitment to preparing students
new CNC machines, specifically a milling for the future, supporting local industry
machine and lathe, allowing students to needs, and ensuring that technical edu-
train on the same technology they will cation remains a vibrant part of the high
encounter in modern facilities. Industry school experience. With updated facilities,
representatives also visit classrooms to expanded space, and strong community
mentor students, share career insights, and partnerships, Marshfield High School’s
explain workplace expectations. metal technology program is well-posi-
The program is led by instructors Ben tioned to serve students for decades to
Celebrating Will and Luke Behling, who combine tech- come.

jobs.waupacafoundry.com Manufacturing nical expertise with a passion for preparing
students for success. Their leadership,
Month along with the continued support of local www.csd.k12.wi.us
industry, has created a program that blends
academic learning with employable skills.