Page 18 - MTWIFall2025

18 ELECTRONIC EDITION: WWW.MANUFACTURINGTODAYWI.COM

Grant Provides New Equipment at Rosholt

become a vital contributor to the regional machine that would significantly upgrade our
workforce by consistently supplying neigh- capabilities. The Scotchman 50 Ton Hydraulic
boring communities with skilled, job-ready Ironworker includes up to five functional sta-
graduates. Interest in our manufacturing tions, allowing students to safely bend, notch,
program has been steadily growing, reflect- and punch metal using the same processes and
ing both student enthusiasm and a broader tools they would encounter in a contempo-
recognition of the value of hands-on, career- rary manufacturing environment. Introducing
focused education. this machine into our program will not only
We are proud to partner with the local enhance safety and efficiency but also provide
technical college, which enhances our stu- students with valuable, hands-on experience
dents’ learning experiences and creates clear aligned with current industry standards. Fur-
pathways to post-secondary education and thermore, the Scotchman Ironworker will
employment in high-demand fields. Many of reduce the noise level in the shop area, making
our high school classes serve as dual credit the lab area that much safer.
courses to assist students in transitioning to It is estimated that four of the ten career
the college if they so choose. and technical education (CTE) classes we
Our current metal fabrication equipment offer will directly benefit from this equipment
includes an old cast Edwards No. 5 Hand upgrade, significantly enriching the hands-on
Shear—an antique tool estimated to have learning experience. With modern tools that
been manufactured around 1911. While it has mirror those used in the field, students will be
served us for decades, it is no longer a practi- better equipped to succeed both academically
cal or safe option as a primary cutting station and in future employment. The school district
for today’s manufacturing classes. Its outdated hopes this piece of technology will last for
design not only limits functionality but also many years to come and look forward to the
fails to reflect the tools and technologies used knowledge that students will gain.
Rosholt School District technology education classes currently taught in modern industry. Relying on such equip-
The Rosholt School District is excited to by Mr. Chad Gagas. Students will have better ment puts our students at a disadvantage when
announce the receipt of a Fast Forward Grant opportunities to learn on state-of-the-art tech- it comes to developing the skills needed to be
sponsored by the Department of Workforce nology while enhancing their workforce skills. truly workforce-ready.
Development. This grant award is for the partial While Rosholt may not have a large To address this gap, Rosholt School www.rosholt.k12.wi.us
payment of new equipment to be used by our industrial base of its own, our school has District has identified a modern ironworker

Grant to Fund State-of-the-Art Equipment at Elk Mound

ing educational opportunities for students and
preparing them with the skills needed to thrive
in today’s rapidly changing workforce.
This achievement would not have been
possible without the support and collabora-
tion of our community and industry partners.
Local businesses, along with insights gained
from visits to the local technical college, have
provided invaluable guidance in shaping the
direction of our program. These partnerships
gave us a clearer understanding of the knowl-
edge and skills employers need most, helping us
identify key areas of growth in robotics, automa-
tion, and advanced manufacturing.
The grant funding will allow Elk Mound
to purchase state-of-the-art equipment that
brings real-world technology directly into the
classroom. Students will gain hands-on learn-
ing experiences in robotics programming, and this initiative will bridge that gap by The Elk Mound Area School District is
automation systems, and advanced manufactur- opening doors to career exploration, industry grateful to our industry partners, the techni-
ing processes—skills that are increasingly in engagement, and pathways to post-secondary cal college, and the Wisconsin Department
demand across industries. This practical, applied training. of Workforce Development for their support.
approach ensures that learning goes beyond By strengthening the connection Together, we are building a foundation that
theory and provides students with a direct con- between education and industry, we are not empowers students, strengthens our community,
nection to future career pathways. only preparing students for meaningful and and supports the future of advanced manufac-
In addition to enhancing technical skills, well-paying careers but also supporting the turing in the Chippewa Valley and beyond.
Elk Mound Area School District
The Elk Mound Area School District is the program will also help broaden student long-term growth of our regional workforce.
proud to announce that we have been awarded awareness of the wide variety of career oppor- This investment ensures that Elk Mound stu-
a DWD Advanced Manufacturing Technical tunities available in the manufacturing sector. dents graduate with both the confidence and elkmound.k12.wi.us
Education Equipment Grant. This recognition Many students are unfamiliar with the high- the competencies to succeed in a rapidly
highlights our ongoing commitment to expand- tech, innovative roles that exist close to home, evolving economy.