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MANUFACTURING TODAY WI | SUMMER 2026 9

ATECH Partnership Expands Career Opportunities for Students

Congratulations to Appleton Technical
Academy (ATECH) student Izzy LaCha-
pelle for earning a gold medal in Welding
Sculpture at the SkillsUSA State Competi-
tion this February! Her first-place finish is
an incredible achievement that highlights
both her talent and dedication to the skilled
trades.
Izzy is also graduating with her Techni-
cal Diploma in Welding, further showcasing
her hard work and commitment throughout
her time at ATECH. Her accomplishment
is especially notable as she is the second
ATECH student in two years to earn first
place in Welding Sculpture—and the first
female student to do so.
We are proud to celebrate Izzy’s
success and the outstanding way she repre-
sents ATECH and the Appleton Area School
Appleton Area School District through advanced training, mentorship, and District.
At Appleton Technical Academy youth apprenticeships.
(ATECH), partnerships with local industry are Most recently, ATECH celebrated two Maintenance Specialist certificate through a knowledge and career insights. Students
helping students gain real-world experience students who officially signed on as youth partnership between ATECH and Fox Valley have opportunities to tour company facilities
while preparing for high-demand careers in apprentices with the packaging company in Technical College (FVTC). Students can earn throughout the Fox Valley region, helping
manufacturing and industrial technology. One industrial maintenance: Jamal Mais and Frank seven college credits free of charge while connect classroom learning to real-world man-
of the academy’s strongest and fastest-growing Somers, both entering their junior year. attending ATECH, helping reduce the cost of ufacturing environments.
collaborations is with a nearby, major packag- Through the apprenticeship program, continuing education after high school. ATECH, located within Appleton West
ing company, a partnership that continues to Jamal and Frank will gain hands-on expe- As part of the program, each student will High School, was established in 2014 to help
create meaningful opportunities for students rience while working toward an Industrial complete at least 450 hours of paid, on-the- address the growing demand for skilled manu-
job training during their junior year while facturing workers in Northeast Wisconsin. The
working alongside experienced company school combines traditional academics with
mentors. Students who continue into a second hands-on technical education in areas such as
year of youth apprenticeship during their welding, machining, automation, and mechan-
senior year can complete an additional 450 ical design.
hours of training. Upon successful completion Students learn in labs that mirror
of both coursework and workplace learn- modern manufacturing facilities and gain
ing requirements, students earn a Wisconsin practical experience through project-based
Youth Apprenticeship Certificate of Occupa- learning and partnerships with local busi-
tional Proficiency. nesses. ATECH students can also earn nearly
The partnership also creates long-term one-third of the college credits needed for an
opportunities beyond high school. If students associate degree at FVTC before graduating
choose to continue working with the company high school.
after graduation, the company offers tuition As manufacturing industries continue to
reimbursement for remaining coursework face workforce shortages, partnerships like
needed to complete the certificate program, as the one between ATECH and the packaging
well as additional support for technical diplo- company are helping build a strong pipeline of
mas or associate degrees in the field. future talent while giving students affordable
The youth apprenticeship program is pathways into rewarding careers.
just one part of the growing relationship For students like Jamal and Frank, the
between ATECH and the packaging company. opportunity represents more than just job
In 2024, ATECH officially opened the new experience — it’s a direct connection between
Amcor Learning Lab, made possible through education and a successful future in Wiscon-
a company grant. sin’s growing manufacturing industry.
The state-of-the-art lab features advanced If you’re interested in learning more
automation equipment and robotics designed about ATECH or supporting our mission of
to prepare students for careers in Industry 4.0 graduating students who possess the knowl-
and industrial automation. Through hands-on edge and skills necessary for successful entry
learning in the lab, students can earn indus- into the career pathways of modern advanced
try-recognized micro-certifications through manufacturing, check out our website at atech.
the Smart Automation Certification Alliance aasd.k12.wi.us.
(SACA), giving them valuable credentials
before graduating high school.
The company’s employees also play
an active role in student learning by serving www.aasd.k12.wi.us
as mentors in the lab and sharing industry