Page 16 - MTWIFallWinter2024

16 eleCtroniC edition: WWW.ManufaCturingtodayWi.CoM

Big foot union High school’s tech ed numbers are growing

teaching abroad. before coming back to the at the professional machine shop at big Foot.
states. that kind of empowerment is what the
these two were just what the program program is all about.
needed. they made it enticing for students to Most reports indicate that Walworth
take their classes and the program’s numbers County Wi employs about 9,000 workers in the
grew every year. manufacturing industry. the most current unem-
With a school population of 500, they ployment rate for Walworth County is 2.3%
average 100 students who take at least 1 of the for september 2024, which means that 59,900
classes offered and many take multiple classes. persons are employed here. In terms of unfilled
Classes offered are: jobs in the manufacturing industry here, it’s a
• Intro to 3D Design, Principles of little hard to get a firm number, but it appears
engineering, design and build for engi- between 500-600. this estimate was taken from
neering the Job Center of Wisconsin and indeed.
• Woodworking 1, Woodworking 2 Build- Working with industry employers, stam-
ing Construction schror builds pathways to connect the students
• Metalworking 1, Metalworking 2 to manufacturing careers. unique programs
offered help our students learn the skills needed
• Small Engines for well-paid advanced manufacturing posi-
• And a new program “Around the House” tions, while also completing their high school
big Foot hs has partnered with a nearby courses.
technical college, located in elkhorn, to allow When you have buy-in by the industry and
Big Foot High School District students the opportunity to take dual credit someone else believing in the students other in a safe and caring environment.”
big Foot union high school, located classes and receive credits for both college and than their teachers. it motivates students to do the big Foot hs education system is
in southeast Wisconsin, is centrally located high school at the same time. teacher anna more. focused on producing high school graduates
between Milwaukee, Madison, Janesville stamschror stated that 30% to 40% of the stu- big Foot hs has put a major emphasis on who are well-prepared to be productive citizens,
in Wisconsin and Chicago and rockford in dents who go through the tech ed Program and work-based learning and each class is designed whether they choose a career or college.
illinois. it’s classes are able to go into the trades right to produce economic and workforce develop-
Three years ago, two very qualified teach- away, ment potential. a section of big Foot’s mission
ers, a husband-and-wife team, Will hibbard students apply math, science and entre- statement is “Through diversified experiences, www.bigfoot.k12.wi.us
and anna stamschror were hired for the tech preneurial skills to the real world by designing our students discover their potential, achieve
ed department. the pair had been living and parts, building prototypes and learning to code readiness for college and careers, and succeed

oconto falls Brighter image award filling the need for Welders

Continued from page 24 Continued from page 34

“The opportunity to get a welding
student Quotes certificate is a really amazing opportu-
“The opportunity to receive a welding nity because it allows me to get credits for
certificate while still in high school means welding in college… I’m excited for the fun
a lot to me, welding is one of my many pas- and responsibility of being able to weld.
sions and if I am able to receive a certificate Welding is fun for me.”
while still in high school I would love to
make welding my career. I know there are —Madison reichwald, Class of 2026
many opportunities in the welding field and (Pictured above, left)
being a certified welder out of high school “The welding certificate provided
would put me ahead in the field and a better through LTC is a huge jump for high school-
opportunity to be able to get into the welding ers like me to get ahead in their future
field directly out of high school.” careers…. This class means I can leave high
—edward leMieux, Class of 2025 school with a welding certificate and a high
Ya apprentice, Metko inc. school diploma and be ready for the real
world.”
“To me, having the opportunity to
receive a welding certificate means that —ben Gross, Class of 2026
I can get one step ahead of all the other
next generation of workers in classrooms ners within the community, their commitment high school students wanting to become
across the state. their success speaks great to excellence, and our focus on cultivating welders. Working towards getting a welding
volumes about the quality of education they future educators; they are building a brighter certificate also means that the classes are www.kiel.k12.wi.us
received and their passion for giving back to image for all students around the region who much cheaper than if I were to take them
the manufacturing community. are interested in manufacturing and will con- in college. I am excited about having this
oconto Falls high school is not only tinue to do so for years to come. opportunity because it makes me look good
a school that prepares students for reward- to future employers.”
ing careers in the manufacturing industry but —trevin heller Class of 2026
also helps actively shape the industry’s future. ofpanthers.com/
through our collaborative approach with part- schools/high