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Nicolet Union High School Receives $25,000 Fab Lab Grant to Improve

Innovation Arts Programming

cross-disciplinary collaboration among students to industry-standard practices, enriching the edu-
and teachers, fostering connections and enhanc- cational experience and better preparing them for
ing learning outcomes. future careers. Adam Thiel (instructor and FEAR
A comprehensive Fab Lab is a compo- Robotics Team Leader) is instrumental in leading
nent of Innovation Arts, integrating courses the District’s engineering and manufacturing
such as Introductory 2D Art, Entrepreneurship, coursework. Utilizing his talent and knowledge
Woods and Metal Fabrication, Engineering in CNC and manufacturing processes, Adam has
and Robotics, Production Graphics, and AP Art developed training modules to support staff and
Installations. Projects blending design, business, build student skills.
and fabrication allow students to experience the The $25,000 Fab Lab grant that the Dis-
entire product lifecycle, from concept to market. trict recently received was utilized to purchase
The recent Fab Lab expansion supports increas- precision measurement tools. These tools equip
ing student demand and the need for hands-on, students with high-demand skills for both the
interdisciplinary learning. workforce and post-secondary education. Dis-
The Nicolet High School Fab Lab is trict staff are currently being trained on the
designed for contemporary Technology and recently purchased equipment with full integra-
Engineering practices, focusing on flexibility and tion into courses planned for the fall of 2025. The
adaptability. Students learn additive and subtrac- incorporation of precision measurement tools
Jeff Pruefer, Director of Business Services pursue post-secondary education, the school tive machining using equipment like tabletop will allow students to gain additional industry
Adam Thiel, CTE Instructor and FEAR Robotics equally emphasizes a robust school-to-work cur- CNC routers and 3D printers. This equipment certification and will further prepare them for the
Leader riculum. introduces students to industry-aligned processes modern workforce.
Nicolet Union High School In 2020, a district-wide facility study led to and essential skills. The Fab Lab also includes If you have any questions surrounding the
Nicolet Union High School District encom- a community-approved $77.4M capital referen- professional-grade equipment, such as CNC Nicolet FAB Lab, please reach out to Adam Thiel
passes the northeast Milwaukee County suburbs dum to update Nicolet’s facilities. A substantial mills, lathes, plasma cutters, and advanced fin- at adam.thiel@nicolet.us. If you have any ques-
of Bayside, Fox Point, Glendale, and River Hills. portion of this investment was directed towards ishing tools for wood and metalwork. Powder tions surrounding seeking financial resources as
Covering a 16-square-mile area, Nicolet is a the Innovation Arts Department. The Innova- coating, airbrushing, and advanced graphic it relates to CTE programming, please reach out
four-year public high school with approximately tion Arts Department was recently developed to applications enhance students’ hands-on experi- to Jeff Pruefer at jeffrey.pruefer@nicolet.us.
1,100 students. Nicolet ranks among Wiscon- integrate career and technology education into ences, helping them develop industry-standard
sin’s highest in per-pupil expenditures (financial a more cohesive model. The Innovation Arts skills and craftsmanship.
investment in its school), serving a multicul- Department includes Business, Technology & Nicolet’s Fab Lab project is supported by www.nicolet.k12.wi.us
tural community. While many Nicolet graduates Engineering, Visual Arts, and Family & Con- several industry partners. These partnerships
sumer Science. This new structure encourages offer students mentorship, materials, and access

Building Futures: Green Bay Youth Apprenticeship Program

prioritizes their well-being and that of their col- path and this role allows them to explore various
leagues. They are trained to identify and mitigate tasks and jobs.” For example, a mechanically
potential hazards, use personal protective equip- inclined student may be placed in the mainte-
ment, and adhere to safety protocols to ensure a nance department and a student interested in
secure working environment. printing or graphics may be placed in the print-
GBP offers two types of youth appren- ing department. At the end of the apprenticeship,
ticeships, one in manufacturing and one in students can transition to full-time employment
maintenance. A manufacturing youth appren- or continue working while earning their degree.
tice works with a wide variety of equipment With our headquarters in Green Bay and
and manufacturing processes where they gain ten manufacturing locations throughout Wiscon-
exposure to equipment and processes, includ- sin, Green Bay Packaging offers an unparalleled
ing robotics and automation used to move and platform for youth apprentices to explore and
store products, perform material handling tasks discover the vast career opportunities available
within the facility, and even help sort and ship in modern manufacturing. The skills, knowl-
products coming off the lines. A maintenance edge, and experiences gained during their
youth apprentice works in a hands-on learning apprenticeship set them up for success within
environment, assisting tenured technicians with the manufacturing industry and equip them
preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and with transferable skills beneficial across various
Green Bay Packaging is an integrated, eration of employees through programs like the equipment installation including electrical, pneu- sectors.
full-service manufacturer that produces custom youth apprentice program. matic, hydraulic, mechanical, server, and PC Green Bay Packaging is dedicated to sus-
corrugated packaging, folding cartons, and Youth apprentices working in the manu- systems as well as general building maintenance. tainability, community engagement, and talent
coated label products throughout its 40+ nation- facturing industry gain valuable technical and At GBP, we work with high school students development in the manufacturing industry.
wide locations. Our operations also include a interpersonal skills that prepare them for success- to ensure a good fit between their interests, skills Through initiatives like the youth apprentice
forestry division, lumber mill, and paper mills ful careers, whether they seek employment right and the roles available. As noted by Kristyn program, the company is not only contributing to
that use innovative sustainability processes to after high school or continue their education. Johanek, Human Resources Manager, Folding the immediate needs of the industry but is also
supply eco-friendly paper to the industry. Within Safety is paramount at all GBP manufactur- Carton Division, “most apprentices are initially investing in the long-term development of its
our manufacturing facilities, we always seek ing locations. Apprentices learn how to work hired for the manufacturing role because many workforce and the broader community.
ways to engage with and develop the next gen- with machinery and equipment in a manner that high school students are unsure about their career