The Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) and the Sheboygan business community have made significant investments in technical education programs since 2016, when the district opened the $5 million Kohler | Johnsonville Advanced Technology Centers inside North and South High Schools. The 12,400 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering labs prepare students for successful local college and career paths. The advanced technology centers offer high-tech manufacturing and engineering tools and technology, giving practical exposure to CNC, automation, electrical, and metrology equipment. The expansion, upgrade, and renovation of existing facilities were made possible through the district’s investment and ongoing financial commitment, as well as significant contributions from local businesses, organizations, and sponsors.

Collectively referred to as Red Raider Manufacturing, or RRM, the primary goal is to provide both classroom instruction and authentic, hands-on learning opportunities that result in real-world employability. The Red Raider Manufacturing oversight team worked with local manufacturers and Lakeshore Technical College to select equipment and curriculum relevant to students entering today’s workforce.

As early as 9th grade, North and South High School students can choose from ten technical education classes, like Electricity, Electronics & Automation, or Power Mechanics. Exposure to these classes early in their high school career gives students ample time to dive deeper into a certain area, explore other skilled trades, and expand their learning by taking advantage of a nine-week co-op experience or a 9 to 12-month youth apprenticeship.

The investment has been worthwhile, with more and more students pursuing well-paying jobs in the trades after high school.

After graduation, Dylan Vedetic was hired by Altmeyer Electric, where he is a first-year apprentice and is also attending school. “The best part is the benefits that are offered as a union electrician. I am offered a pension, annuity, and very good healthcare. Other good parts about my job are learning new things every day and working side by side with co-workers who want to be just as successful,” said Dylan.

“Over the course of my senior year at South High, I was in a youth apprenticeship working at Altmeyer Electric doing work in the shop and some on-the-job work. On average, I would work 15-20 hours per week. I found this program to be very beneficial, and it was nice to get a head start on my future.”

Blake Thun also graduated from South High School and was hired right out of high school by Guske Electric as an apprentice. “The best part is learning a trade that not many people know how to do and being able to be there for the people that need electricity,” said Blake. He said it’s amazing to be taught ways to learn and work at a faster pace.

Owen Hayon graduated from North High School last spring and was hired as a construction wireman at Konz Electric. He is preparing to take his exam to begin the apprentice program. Owen said the best part of his job is the different skills he learns every day. “The day goes so quickly because no day is the same. It’s a great trade to get into.”

Owen was prepared to enter the workforce through his experiences in high school. In addition to taking several RRM classes, he completed a youth apprenticeship in manufacturing at Eck Industries in Manitowoc and took classes at Lakeshore Technical College. “It was a great senior year as I like to be doing stuff and not just sitting in front of a computer,” said Owen.

All three graduates participated in Sheboygan Area School District’s House Construction class, where North and South High School students work together to build a home. They all credited the program with giving them hands-on experience and a close-up look at various skills and industries. Dylan said, “House construction helped me learn about all the trades and allowed me to narrow it down to which one I believed would fit me the best.” Owen added that seeing the skills used in real-life projects, like building a house, was helpful.

As these three graduates embark on their first year of full-time employment in the Electrical trades, Owen summed it up best when he said, “I am only 18 and have a great start on my career.”

These success stories from graduates who utilized the Red Raider Manufacturing program showcase how students can prepare for life after high school.

Shown below are some of the pieces of electrical training equipment available for students at South High School.