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18 ELECTRONIC EDITION: WWW.MANUFACTURINGTODAYWI.COM

Hands-On Learning, Real-World Results

other machines, the shop hums with hands- in the shop.”
on learning and discovery every day. Beyond classroom projects, students
“Our program includes one of the few see how their skills make a difference in the
complete, industry-level machine shops community. From crafting parts for local
found in a high school setting,” Sahr explains. projects to competing in SkillsUSA, these
“Students come into this class at all different young machinists are putting their training
levels. Some have parents or grandparents to the test.
with a full metals shop at home, while others “Recently, my students and I made
arrive with no prior experience, just a spark a replacement part for the Village of Kim-
of interest. By the time they leave, they’ve berly,” Sahr shares. “Projects like that show
built the skills and confidence to step into the real-world value of what we teach.”
nearly any machine shop.” Interest in the Metals program continues
In Metals 1, students explore sheet to grow year after year. Mr. Sahr’s classes
metal, welding, lathe work, and hand tools consistently fill up, showing how much stu-
while completing practical projects that dents value the skills and experiences they
strengthen both technical ability and life gain. Many first hear about the program
skills. Metals 2 deepens those fundamen- through friends or family members who have
tals and Metals 3 allows students to focus taken the class and middle school preview
on individual interests such as machin- nights help inspire the next group of students
ing, welding, or pipefitting. Students in the to get involved.
Metals program build a strong foundation in Many students continue their studies
machining and fabrication through hands- at college, while others move directly into
on learning that connects directly to math, local manufacturing jobs, an industry always
Kimberly Area School District Metals program, students gain a foundation science, and real-world problem-solving. eager for skilled workers.
For more than two decades, instructor they can build on for years to come. “Every part of machining, from setting
Kris Sahr has been laying the groundwork The program’s curriculum mirrors tool speeds and feeds that determine how fast
for student success, teaching the fundamen- coursework at Fox Valley Technical College, and how deep the machine cuts, to choos-
tals of machining while fostering confidence, giving students who continue their education ing the right materials, relies on math and kimberly.k12.wi.us
curiosity, and craftsmanship. Through his a strong head start. With two CNC mills, a science,” Sahr explains. “It connects class-
CNC lathe, six manual lathes, and a dozen room learning directly to the work they do

Fab Lab Grant Funding Enhances Learning Opportunities

Haas mills and lathes as well as 14 welding
booths equipped with Miller Multimatic 250
welders. Access to this advanced technology
will help students develop technical skills
while working in an environment that closely
mirrors modern manufacturing and fabrication
facilities.
The addition of this equipment will
significantly strengthen our programs in
manufacturing, construction, welding, and
engineering. Students will gain valuable
experience operating precision machinery,
developing fabrication techniques, and solving
real-world engineering challenges. By learn-
ing with the same tools and technologies used
by industry professionals, our students will be Participation in Panther Manufactur-
better prepared for post-secondary education, ing will allow students to develop essential
apprenticeships, technical training programs, employability skills such as communication,
and direct entry into high-demand careers. collaboration, leadership, problem-solving,
Fab Lab Grant funds will also help and project management. These experiences
launch Panther Manufacturing, a student- will help prepare students for success in both
Rob Heller, Ellsworth High School Assistant run business designed to provide authentic college and career pathways while fostering
Principal entrepreneurial and workforce experiences. a culture of innovation and teamwork. Ells-
Ellsworth Community School District Through Panther Manufacturing, students in worth High School is extremely grateful for
Ellsworth High School is excited to technology education courses will design and the opportunities provided through the Fab
utilize Fab Lab Grant funding to enhance manufacture products, while business educa- Lab Grant and looks forward to the lasting
learning opportunities for students in our new tion students will take the lead in marketing, impact these funds will have on our students,
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. advertising, sales, and customer relations. This programs, and community.
These funds will allow us to provide students collaborative approach will create meaningful www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us
with hands-on experiences using industry- cross-curricular learning opportunities that In May of 2025, Ellsworth was one of
standard equipment, including our new CNC connect classroom instruction to real-world 20 schools in Wisconsin selected to receive a
business operations. $25,000 Fab Lab Grant from the WEDC.