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Bridging the Classroom and the Shop Floor: TCR Partners with Nekoosa High School to Inspire the Next Generation in Metalworking

This past school year we kicked off a partnership with Nekoosa High School to give students a real look at metalworking and manufacturing careers. One of our machinist Matthew O’Connor has been spending time teaching the students, showing them how the measurement, safety, precision, problem-solving, and quality skills they’re learning in class play out on a real shop floor. 

During our time this past school year, Matthew taught a practical machining course to advanced students.  It’s still early, but the feedback from the school has been great. They’re more engaged, asking better questions, paying closer attention to accuracy, and starting to see how classroom work connects to actual jobs in stamping and fabrication. Hearing it straight from someone who does the work every day makes a difference that textbooks just can’t match. 

 The students like being able to ask practical questions about the equipment, the daily expectations, and what the job really looks like. A few are already getting more curious about manufacturing careers and what it takes to get into the trades.  

 We’re just getting started, and we’re excited to grow this—more visits, job shadows, internships or apprenticeships down the road. Manufacturing needs skilled people, and collaborations like this are one of the best ways to show the next generation that metalworking isn’t just a class… it’s a solid, rewarding career option.  

We spoke with Marcus Wilcox, Nekoosa High School’s shop teacher, and this is what he had to say about the partnership.

How has the presence of an industry expert from TCR helped students connect classroom skills to real-world applications? 

“ The TCR representative has helped the students understand how skills such as measurement, safety, precision, problem-solving, and attention to detail are used in a professional manufacturing environment. Hearing directly from someone in the industry makes the lessons feel more practical and relevant.” 

This real-world connection is difficult to replicate through textbooks or lectures alone. 

What feedback have you heard from students about learning from someone currently working in the field?  

“The students have responded positively. They appreciate being able to ask practical questions and hear firsthand about the equipment, expectations, and daily responsibilities involved in the field. It gives them a perspective that is difficult to provide through classroom instruction alone.” 

Students value the chance to hear unfiltered insights about daily work in metal stamping, fabrication, and related manufacturing roles. 

Have the students expressed increased interest in careers related to metalworking or manufacturing?  

“Because the program currently involves only a couple of students, it is still early to measure its overall impact. However, the participating students have shown greater curiosity about manufacturing careers and the training needed to enter the field. Their questions have become more focused on career opportunities, workplace expectations, and possible next steps after high school.” 

Even limited exposure has sparked more focused conversations about potential pathways into skilled trades. 

What is the greatest benefit of TCR’s involvement so far?  

“The greatest benefit has been giving these students direct access to someone with current industry experience. The partnership reinforces what they are learning in class while helping them understand how those skills translate into employment. Even with a small number of participants, that personal interaction can have a meaningful impact.” 

Personal interaction with someone actively working in the industry appears to be the most powerful element of the partnership to date. 

What long-term impact do you hope this partnership will have?  

“I hope the partnership helps these students make informed decisions about their futures and gives them the confidence to pursue metalworking, manufacturing, or another skilled trade if it is the right fit for them. I would also like to see the partnership grow over time and create additional opportunities for future students through industry visits, job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, or employment.” 

As manufacturing continues to seek skilled workers, collaborations like the one between us and Nekoosa High School offer a practical model for connecting education with local industry. By bringing current professionals into the classroom, our partnership is helping students see metalworking and manufacturing not just as subjects, but as viable, rewarding career options. With continued growth, we believe it has the potential to open doors for more students in the years ahead. 

Thanks to Matt for stepping up, and to Nekoosa High School for the partnership. We are looking forward to seeing this grow!