MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has awarded $23,249 in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants to three school districts throughout the state.
The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment grants will benefit more than 500 students and help address the state’s skilled workforce shortage by supporting schools as they prepare students for quality, in-demand jobs. School districts will use the funding to expand career pathway options by upgrading technical education training equipment and facilities.
“Fast Forward grants help prepare our future workforce for careers in high-demand, high-skill industries,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “The state-of-the-art equipment, including laser cutters, welders, and advanced wood fabrication tools, will enable schools to provide coursework that aligns with industry standards and strengthens our state’s advanced manufacturing workforce.”
These grants may also reduce higher education costs for families through dual enrollment credits, industry-endorsed certificates, and technical endorsements on high school diplomas.
The Wisconsin Fast Forward program was expanded in 2018 to invest in the workforce of the future by reimbursing school districts to enhance or improve a technical education facility or acquire equipment used for in-demand fields. The program has provided Technical Education Equipment grants of more than $8.2 million to over 253 Wisconsin school district projects to help students explore careers and transition from high school into the workforce.
The current round of grants will support the following projects:
Hurley School District, Iron County | $5,892
Grant funds will be used to purchase a Cantek three-phase jointer and add a second laser engraver to help prepare students for successful careers in the manufacturing industry.
Parkview School District, Rock County | $10,190
The funds will be used to purchase a CNC plasma cutter and a CNC laser. The machines will provide students with hands-on experience in coding, design, fabrication, and manufacturing.
Turtle Lake School District, Barron County | $7,167
The funds will be used to update equipment and enhance safety with Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC Welders and a Hypertherm Powermax Plasma Cutter, enhancing the quality of the instruction.
