MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) — Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development gave out nearly $1 million in grants to 19 school districts across the state.
DWD says $998,114 from Wisconsin Fast Forward grants will support upgrades to technical education training equipment, with the goal of helping to address a skilled workforce shortage in the long term.
“Fast Forward grants prepare our future workforce for careers in high-demand, high-skill industries,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “The state-of-the-art equipment, including robotic welders, laser cutters, 3D printers, and other high-tech tools, will enable schools to provide coursework that aligns with industry standards and strengthen our state’s workforce now and into the future.”
The grants support the following school districts in south-central Wisconsin:
Lake Mills Area School District, Jefferson County | $5,195
Funds will be used to purchase three Miller Multimatic 220 Welders to support multiple welding processes and enhance the district’s metals manufacturing facility to meet current industry standards.
Portage Community School District, Columbia County | $100,000
Funds will be used to upgrade equipment to current industry standards in their technical education department, preparing students for successful careers in advanced manufacturing and construction fields.
School District of Beloit, Rock County | $100,000
This grant will be used to purchase a Miller/FANUC Robotic Weld Cell ARC Mate 50iD/7L, which will enhance the welding program by exposing students to robotic technologies and providing hands-on, industry-level experience, with the ability to earn industry-recognized credentials.
The grants support the following school districts in western Wisconsin:
Alma School District, Buffalo County | $10,197
Funds will be used to purchase cardboard inventor kits and tools, vinyl cutters, 3D printers, industrial printers, and mobile workstations to enhance the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. In addition, the district will construct a fabrication laboratory for hands-on learning in engineering and manufacturing.
Augusta School District, Eau Claire County | $6,000
The grant will be used to purchase a robotic Neuromaker Hand 2.0 and BioSensor Pack to draw additional students into the technical education programs and expose students to biotechnology and engineering.
Durand-Arkansaw School District, Pepin County | $100,000
The grant will be used to purchase a modular robotic welding system built with industrial-grade FANUC and Miller Welding technology to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
Elk Mound Area School District, Dunn County | $100,000
The district will use grants funds to purchase Amatrol Industry 4.0 Course 1 Learning Systems and FANUC Fenceless ER-4iA CERT package. The project will prepare students with the necessary skills for the fields of automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
Sparta Area School District, Monroe County | $7,499
Funds will be used to purchase a Miller-FANUC ARCMate 50iD/7L Robot Weld Cell to equip students with real-world training in industrial robotics, automation systems, and foundational metal fabrication.
2025-09-03 19:21:00