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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 31,2022
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Osseo-Fairchild School District Expands, Improves Technical Education With Grant from DWD

Visit coincides with Gov. Evers proclaiming October as Manufacturing Month

Osseo-Fairchild High School and Chippewa Valley Technical College officials in the district's new technical education center, which focuses on manufacturing, automotive and construction education. In the center is Department of Workforce Development Deputy Secretary Pamela McGillivray, who got a first-hand look at the center during Manufacturing Month as part of a statewide tour.
Osseo-Fairchild High School and Chippewa Valley Technical College officials in the district's new technical education center, which focuses on manufacturing, automotive and construction education. In the center is Department of Workforce Development Deputy Secretary Pamela McGillivray, who got a first-hand look at the center during Manufacturing Month as part of a statewide tour.

OSSEO – Manufacturing is becoming more advanced every day and Osseo-Fairchild School District is meeting employer needs by providing training in industrial mechanics, a fast-growing field in the manufacturing sector. This field, formally known as mechatronics, involves the operation and maintenance of automated equipment.

Osseo-Fairchild School District received a $6,500 grant from Wisconsin Fast Forward Technical Education Equipment program, which will be used to align the district's mechatronics curriculum with Chippewa Valley Technical College.

The funds will be put toward a portable electrical learning system; a portable electric relay control learning system; portable pneumatic learning system, and hand tool package that teaches students how to install, operate, and repair automated equipment.

In total, 11 Wisconsin school districts received more than $414,000 in grant funds to increase the number of students in career and technical education programs that prepare them for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers.

"This latest round of funding expands educational and employment opportunities in Osseo-Fairchild and more than a dozen rural and underserved communities statewide," said DWD Deputy Secretary Pamela McGillivray. "These Wisconsin Fast Forward investments are part of DWD's proven strategy to expand our future workforce with homegrown talent. Going forward, the economic impact of these grants will be multiplied as the students gain new skills, employers gain a competitive edge, and communities gain new vitality."

High school students will train in advanced manufacturing fields to prepare for stable careers even as they obtain dual enrollment credits, industry-endorsed certificates, and technical endorsements on high school diplomas.

DWD recently announced that a new round of available grants and is encouraging school districts across Wisconsin to apply for up to $50,000 in funding to purchase technical education equipment. A total of $700,000 is available and applications are due by 3 p.m. CST on Dec. 8, 2022.

For additional information, or to download an application, please consult the Grant Program Announcement and related grant program materials on the Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants website.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.