Page 25 - TTWISummer2024

SuMMER/bACk TO SCHOOL 2024
TRANSPORTATIONTODAY WI TM

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YOUR WISCONSIN TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION

Wausau East Transportation Program Thriving

Wausau School District this class students will explore basic tools,
Wausau east High School is home to measurement, and engine theory of opera-
an 8,000-square foot automotive shop that tion/construction. Student experiences will
gives students, 115 to 130 on average per include: engine rebuilding, troubleshooting
year, the opportunity to learn all three career and two and four-cycle engine theory. Stu-
areas within the transportation pathway: dents should expect to spend the majority of
Auto Technicians, Auto Collision, and their time in the lab.
Diesel Mechanics. Auto Awareness
The shop, built after the passing of a
community-wide referendum in 2015, fea- This course covers basic systems of
tures three two-point hoists, two four-point the automobile. units of instruction include:
hoists, one heavy duty four-post hoist for tools, auto products, ignition, fuel, electri-
semi/diesel, a low rise hoist for auto colli- cal, cooling, general maintenance, interior/
sion, a paint booth and paint mixing room, exterior care, and new/used car purchasing.
as well as state-of-the-art wheel alignment This course provides a theory of operation
equipment, a tire balancer, and an attached and practical lab experiences for the automo-
classroom. It also has its own semi truck that bile owner.
students can work on. Occupational Mechanics I
This opportunity, for Wausau School Their support includes a golf fundraiser dents every week. Then, the instructor makes Introduction to the automotive service
District students, would not be possible in July, which helps with scholarships and it a point to actually visit Wausau east High industry including safety and the use of basic
without the support of a number of amazing funding for educational programs. Then, School to work with students in the class hand and power tools to help the prospective
community partners. One of those partners each February, they host a Transportation on trucks. In addition, once a year, students automobile technician work safely and effi-
is a professional organization made up of Career Expo which is open to all schools in actually get to travel to train in the college’s ciently. Students will learn to perform basic
industry partners who support the transpor- Central Wisconsin that gives students and facility. under-hood and under-car services including:
tation pathway in all areas of education. One parents the chance to meet with industry “It’s a way for the students to get Basic Maintenance, Steering, Suspension,
example of how they do that is that they professionals and explore careers in trans- another instructor’s perspective with this and Brakes, and Tune-up. This course is based
provide vehicles for students to work on. portation. interact with a real live college instructor. on hands-on lab activities supported by
Once repaired, those vehicles get donated It’s this kind of support for our trans- The kids are getting a lot more with this than classroom operational theory of automotive
back into a community program called portation program, and the transportation just a regular dual credit class,” said Mark systems. The students will have the oppor-
‘Wheels to Work,’ providing people with the pathway in general, that’s allowing our Poppe, Wausau east Automotive Teacher. tunity to work on their own vehicle repairs.
transportation they need to get to and from students to get real hands-on experience - Students are able to get 4 credits Additionally students will be introduced to
their jobs. preparing them for life after high school. through the class. the basics of autobody/collision repair as
They also help develop new programs Our area technical colleges are also Other classes available to students in well as painting. Students who successfully
like Auto Collision & Repair training for stepping up in a big way to support students. the Wausau east Automotive Shop include: complete this course will receive dual credit
post graduates. This program is in partner- Through a partnership with one of the col- through a technical college.
ship with the local technical college and leges, students can learn all about Diesel Introduction to Power Mechanics
Wausau East High School. Classes, taught Mechanics. What makes this opportunity This course is designed for students
by college instructors, are held at the high unique, in particular, is that the college’s who are interested in exploring the internal
school. diesel instructor meets virtually with stu- combustion engine as well as basic pro-
fessional shop procedures/tasks. During Continued on Page 32

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