Metal Mania: Mid-State offers free summer classes
By Taylor J. Hale
Reporter
STEVENS POINT/WISCONSIN RAPIDS — High school students, working adults and those seeking employment will have a chance to learn life skills and earn transferable college credits with the Metal Mania program offered by Mid-State Technical College this summer.
The free program started in 2018 to give learners a chance to gain valuable experience in the growing machining field.
“Industry has really been a driver for starting this summer program,” said Wisconsin Rapids Mid-State Director of Marketing Kolina Stieber.
The program is funded by the Central Wisconsin Metal Manufacturers Alliance (CWIMMA) to allow students to participate in the courses at no cost. CWIMMA members also offer student tours and aid throughout Metal Mania and into the following academic years to encourage learners to continue growing.
“Students can earn eight credits in the Metal Mania program, [the] estimated value of tuition and books is $1,580, and seven credits in the Advanced Metal Mania program, [the] estimated value of tuition and books is $1,256,” Stieber said.
The advanced portion of the program is new this year and allows students with prior experience to enroll in second-year machine tool classes.
“Advanced Metal Mania is geared for students that have experience through a related youth apprenticeship, work experience in machining, or have taken a dual credit class in high school relating to machining,” Stieber explained.
Each of the programs has three classes catered to the experience level of the students. The Metal Mania programs expect to serve roughly 24 students in total this summer. Many students who complete the courses are anticipated to enroll in Mid-State’s machine tool technician program. Stieber sees the free classes as a way to better the central Wisconsin community.
“Mid-State is honored to provide instruction to close the employment gap,” she said.
The registration deadline for Metal Mania is May 31. Classes start on June 17.
Contact Mid-State Manager of K–12 & Adult Recruitment Jackie Esselman at 715-422-5413 or [email protected] for more info on the program.
Metal Mania class list:
-Machine Shop Fundamentals (3 Credits) — June 17 – July 16 -Introduction to Solid Modeling (2 Credits) — July 17 – August 8 -Print Reading for Industry (3 Credits) — June 17 – August 8
Advanced Metal Mania class list:
-CNC Mills Set Up and Operation (2 Credits) — June 17 – July 16 -CNC Lathes Set Up and Operation (2 credits) — July 17 – August 8
-Computer Aided Machine Tool Programming (3 credits) — June 17 – August 8
Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.