The Manufacturing Business Alliance (MBA) of Dodge County, in partnership with the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce and Inspire WI, collaborates each year to provide students with the opportunity to tour multiple manufacturing facilities throughout Dodge County.
The MBA is a partnership of public and private entities committed to maintaining and expanding the workforce pipeline that supports Dodge County’s strong, diverse manufacturing sector. Through collaborative relationships and continuous innovative thinking, the MBA focuses on delivering real solutions that address current and future workforce needs.
These tours offer students an immersive career-exploration experience, allowing them to engage directly with industry professionals and build meaningful connections. By experiencing manufacturing environments firsthand, students gain authentic exposure that bridges classroom learning with real-world workplace applications.
“This type of meaningful, career-connected learning connects what students experience in the classroom to authentic, real-world workplace scenarios,” said Rebecca Droessler, CESA 6 Career Readiness Consultant. “It also prepares them for future Youth Apprenticeship opportunities, serving as a powerful capstone experience as students complete their high school journey.”
Through these Career-Based Learning Experiences, students gain valuable insights into modern manufacturing and explore a wide range of career pathways. Key benefits of the tours include:
● Real-world career awareness, as students observe automation, advanced technology, teamwork, and diverse career roles such as engineering, robotics, quality, IT, maintenance, and leadership.
● Clear connections to classroom learning, helping students understand how math, science, technology, and employability skills apply in real workplaces.
● Early exposure to career pathways, including Youth Apprenticeships, technical college programs, paid internships, and on-the-job training with advancement opportunities.
● Hands-on and engaging learning experiences that help students identify interests and aptitudes beyond the traditional classroom setting.
● Networking and mentorship opportunities through direct interaction with industry professionals and opportunities to ask meaningful questions about careers and workplace environments.
● Increased career confidence and motivation, as students see relatable employees and real success stories that help them envision themselves in manufacturing careers.
● Support for local workforce development, strengthening community connections, and encouraging students to consider high-quality career opportunities within the region.
Participating employers include Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation and Breuer Metal Craftsmen in Beaver Dam; EK Machine and Metalcraft of Mayville in Fall River; Karavan Trailers in Fox Lake; Lyco Manufacturing in Columbus; Maysteel in Allenton; Mayville Engineering Company in Beaver Dam and Mayville; and Schumann Printers in Fall River.
High schools participating in the tours include Beaver Dam, Dodgeland, Fall River, Horicon, Lomira, Markesan, Rio, Waterloo, and Waupun. Tours will take place on February 10, February 17, and February 24, with more than 200 students participating in Career Exploration Visits across the county.