WAUSAU SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thanks to the generosity of Schuette Metals, based out of Rothschild, the Wausau School District is now able to take Career and Technology Education at Wausau East High School to the next level! Schuette Metals gifted us $38,000 to purchase a Fanuc Robot, which is Industry 4.0 equipment, for the east-side high school. This robot allows students to learn the foundational operations and controls that are used in our local manufacturing companies.

The donation from Schuette Metals completes the second round of Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development Fast Forward Grants for Technology Education Equipment. This year’s contribution demonstrates the continued growth and expansion in aligning tech ed programs with industry partners. In 2022, Schuette Metals made a similar contribution for a robot at Wausau West that provides equipment and teacher training towards the vision of advanced manufacturing in Central Wisconsin.

“I have a passion and interest in Industry 4.0 and it is important that we give students the opportunities to learn more about local manufacturing. Students operating robots in their high school classes that are the same as in the local manufacturing companies allows us to help grow their knowledge and better prepare them for their future careers. Also, I graduated from Wausau West and feel it is important to give back to the school that helped shape my future,” said John Peterson, President, Schuette Inc.

“Schuette Metals has been a tremendous business and education partner in helping us develop our students with the competitive advantage they need for success in the future,” said Jon Winter, Wausau School District Career and Technical Education Coordinator.

Schuette Metals has been a leader in synergizing the manufacturing industry through the Central Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance, sponsoring high school SkillsUSA students, hiring Youth Apprenticeship students, and supporting other district programs like the welding competitions, and the 8th Grade Heavy Metal Tour. They’re a wonderful partner to the Wausau School District and we thank them for their amazing contributions – helping us advance student learning, achievement, and success.

Students that complete the robot curriculum will also have the opportunity to earn Dual Credit through Northcentral Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing programs, allowing them to continue building their technical skills during and after their high school careers.