HARTLAND, WIS., (August 19, 2015) — As manufacturing companies in Southeastern Wisconsin clamor to hire skilled and motivated employees from a shrinking trade labor pool, the new Arrowhead High School Design Engineering Manufacturing Center is looking to establish a thriving manufacturing ecosystem throughout the area.

The hands-on learning Center, which opens the first day of Arrowheads’ school year on Sept. 1, is a public-private initiative designed to jump start high school students’ interest, engagement and skill level in manufacturing, as well as engineering careers.

“With student access to real-world applied experience in a state-of-the-art facility, the Center will serve as a skilled trade incubator for area businesses – not just in Hartland – but across Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond,” said Bonnie Laugerman, project leader for the Center. “We are addressing an unmet need at the high school level to adapt curriculum to support students pursuing both skilled trades and engineering jobs.”

Sue Casetta, Arrowhead’s director of learning, added: “High schools need to energize learning for this technical course of study and provide a gateway to the college level and employment. Ultimately, we want to help fill the workforce shortage gap by creating a breeding ground of skilled and talented candidates for Wisconsin’s businesses.”

A 2015 Economic Outlook Survey by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) found that labor availability is the number one business concern among one-third of Wisconsin’s CEOs. Nearly 70 percent of CEOs say they are having trouble hiring and more than half say the reason is lack of qualified applicants.­

“For future engineers and skilled workers, this Center gives students the opportunities to create, research, innovate, collaborate, problem-solve, make, and lead,” said superintendent Laura Myrah. “For area businesses, the Center will provide a pipeline of motivated, skilled employees who can begin to fill the manufacturing job gap throughout our region and beyond. While this project is unique to Arrowhead, it serves as a model for other high schools across Wisconsin and the Midwest.”

Private businesses lend support

The school board obtained the initial $2 million for phase one of the project, which includes the infrastructure, demolition and furnishings. Arrowhead is now in the process of securing additional funds for phase two, which will further enhance the school’s equipment and educational offerings.

­­­­­­­­­­­ Business executives from Ace Precision Machining Corp., Bradley Corp., Dorner Manufacturing Corp., MidWest Engineering Systems Inc., and Price Engineering have provided financial support and industry guidance for the initiative.

“Wisconsin businesses need to dig deep and partner with our high schools to show students what it’s like to work in modern-day manufacturing environments, which are light years ahead of where they used to be,” said Bryan Mullett, chief strategy officer, Bradley Corp. “Our industry has gone through a renaissance of sorts. Today’s manufacturing facilities are clean, inviting and incorporate cutting edge technology like computerization, automation and robotics. The opportunities for creativity, collaboration and career satisfaction and growth are abundant.”

­“Our team of business partners shares our vision for this initiative and have been instrumental in making the Center a reality,” said Laugerman. “They’ve been actively involved in the ideation process for the Center to ensure it meets the needs of the students – and the larger business community.”

­­­­­­­­­­­ The 10,000 square foot facility, designed by architectural firm Eppstein Uhen and built by Miron Construction, includes two engineering labs, one manufacturing lab, one design lab, and one innovation lab. Designed to replicate modern manufacturing and engineering environments, the space incorporates natural light and features design elements to promote flexibility, integration and collaboration. In addition, two art classrooms were updated.­

This fall, 260 students are enrolled in Arrowhead’s new courses: Instruction to Engineering and Manufacturing, which provides hands-on learning, and Manufacturing and Engineering with Materials through the application of a variety of processes that use the materials of metals, plastics, woods and composites. Principles of Engineering, an existing course, will also be taught in the Center.