Telsmith donates to Wisconsin HS tech-ed program

Brian Taylor, left, director of manufacturing for Telsmith, presents the donation to Taylor Last, right, Port Washington High School Technology Education and FIRST Robotics Team coach. Photo courtesy of Telsmith

Telsmith donated funds to Port Washington High School in Port Washington, Wisconsin, assisting with purchasing manufacturing equipment for the school’s technical education department.

The donation will go towards a match for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Fast Forward Grant on Advanced Manufacturing Equipment, the company explains.

“With this new equipment, we are working towards training students to industry standards and even certifying them through industry-led organizations,” says Taylor Last, Port Washington High School Technology Education and FIRST Robotics Team coach.

The school says it will purchase manual lathes to replace 1950s models, as well as two HAAS CNC milling machines to add to its advanced machining classes. In addition, the school will purchase a CNC router table to be utilized throughout classes.

“Taylor and the Tech-Ed Department at Port Washington High School are doing great things for the community and for manufacturing in our area,” says Brian Taylor, director of manufacturing for Telsmith. “We see the importance of partnering with our local schools to support our youth in hopes of developing a more skilled labor force.”

Fifty students from Port Washington’s technical classes attended the donation ceremony at Telsmith’s facility in Mequon, Wisconsin. Telsmith presented the donation before giving a presentation on manufacturing, careers in manufacturing, an overview of Telsmith and the company’s history followed by a shop tour.

“The favorite part of the day for the students was seeing manufacturing on a large scale,” Last says. “They have access to equipment at school, but being able to see large versions of what we use producing massive equipment is always a highlight.”

Taylor and Matt Haven, president of Telsmith, conducted a question and answer session alongside company erectors/assemblers, machinist and welders.

“The best part of my day is having our companies discuss career opportunities with our students,” Last says. “We inform them of the same things at school, but hearing about salaries, schooling, and the different work they can do directly from the company always has a large impact on the students. We cannot thank Telsmith enough for always welcoming us to tour through the facilities, as well as having welders work with our kids in the booths, and helping us financially as we work towards putting new equipment into the hands of our students.”