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MANUFACTURING TODAY WI | FALL 2025 19

Osseo-Fairchild Technical Education Center: Empowering the Future

of Skilled Trades and Engineering

tial skills required to thrive in high-demand
careers. The center plays a pivotal role in
closing the skills gap and strengthening the
regional economy through partnerships with
local businesses, the local technical college,
and workforce development programs.

THUNDER WORKS: A Workforce
Readiness Program
A defining feature of the Osseo-Fairchild
Technical Education Center is its THUNDER
WORKS program, which takes a compre- We’ve added two FANUC CNC
hensive approach to technical education and control simulators to our program,
essential life skills. giving students even more opportunities
The THUNDER framework emphasizes: to experience real-world manufacturing
• Teamwork technology. In addition to our 3 HAAS
• Hard Work CNC mills, students can now learn to
• Unstoppable Determination program on FANUC controls using a
• Networking switchable mill, drill, and lathe simula-
tor—all in one system.
• Dependability
Wisconsin, it serves students from Jackson, This new equipment was made
A Hub for Technical Education and • Engagement
Trempealeau, Eau Claire, and Clark counties, possible through our strong partner-
Workforce Development providing hands-on training in manufactur- • Role Model Behavior ship with the local technical college and
Osseo-Fairchild School District ing, construction, healthcare, engineering, and These soft skills are essential in any support from the Restore Grant. We’re
The Osseo-Fairchild Technical Edu- mechatronics. career, and students integrate them into proud to continue expanding hands-
cation Center, which opened in 2022, has The center is dedicated to bridging edu- their daily work and interactions. The on training in high-demand skill areas
quickly become a cornerstone for technical cation and industry, ensuring that students and WORKS philosophy—Workforce, Oppor- and preparing students for careers in
education in the region. Situated in Osseo, workers gain the technical expertise and essen- tunity, Relationships, Knowledge, and advanced manufacturing.
Solutions—ensures that graduates leave
not only with technical abilities but also Future expansions will include programs
with the personal and professional skills in machining, engineering, robotics, mechan-
Start your Career with that employers value. ics, and HVAC, further enhancing career
Students in THUNDER WORKS engage pathways.
MEC Today! with local businesses, gaining real-world
experience and exposure to career oppor- Advanced Machining, Engineering, and
tunities in the community. The program’s Mechatronics Programs
Learn on the job at MEC. hands-on approach allows students to build
Continue your modern manufacturing skilled trades a professional portfolio, strengthening their The machining, engineering, and mecha-
education from industry professionals at the path toward internships, apprenticeships, and tronics programs at Osseo-Fairchild Technical
#1 fabricator in the nation. full-time employment. Education Center are designed to meet the
needs of industries relying on precision manu-
Why Choose MEC? Te4chnical Academies and Industry- facturing and automation.
1. Modern Manufacturing Careers in Aligned Training • Machining Program: Focuses on CNC
* Robotics, CNC, Welding, Tool & Die The Osseo-Fairchild Technical Educa- programming, CAD/CAM design, and
2. Paid Learning Opportunities: Don’t Pay to Learn a metalworking techniques, ensuring stu-
Skilled Trade tion Center offers multiple career academies dents are job-ready upon graduation.
* In-house boot camps in partnership with the technical college, pro-
* Paid internships • Mechatronics Program: Integrates
* Tuition Reimbursement viding students with dual-credit opportunities
3. Leading Shift Premiums in the Area that allow them to earn college credits and mechanical engineering, electronics, and
* Enjoy competitive pay with leading shift premiums in industry-recognized certifications while still computer science, preparing students for
the area.
4. Onsite Healthcare in high school. These academies include: careers in automation, maintenance, and
* Access to comprehensive healthcare right at your robotics.
workplace. • Welding Academy — Training in tra-
5. Competitive Wages ditional and modern welding methods, These programs provide students with
* We value your skills and compensate accordingly. cutting-edge equipment and real-world train-
preparing students for careers in manu-
facturing, construction, and automotive ing, making them highly competitive in the
industries. modern workforce.
APPLY TODAY AT • Construction Academy — Hands-on Industry Partnerships and Workforce
training in residential and commercial
meccareers.com construction, helping students develop Training
technical and project management skills. Beyond serving high school students, the
• Nursing Academy — Hosted at Mayo Osseo-Fairchild Technical Education Center
Clinic Health System – Oakridge, giving plays a crucial role in upskilling adults and
students an early start in healthcare supporting local businesses. Companies can
careers.
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