Wayne H. Bushman AMETA Center building rendering. Become a partner. Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and apprenticeship center.

Become a Partner

A Central Wisconsin Training Center

Located in the Stevens Point area, the Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship Center is expected to serve thousands of people, annually, through traditional programming, professional upskilling, K-12 early college and career exploration activities, technology demonstrations and business meetings. This Center will supply Wisconsin with highly skilled workers, address the workforce shortage, and sustain and grow our area businesses.

By 2026, local student economic impact will exceed $1.8M annually in lodging, meals, and gas.

"This proposed facility is desperately needed and will provide a quality workforce for decades to come, thus generating vibrant economic growth through the retention and training of local graduates in central Wisconsin."
– Wayne Bushman, Founder, Bushman Electric 

"Building a Center dedicated to skilling and upskilling our local workers is very important in today’s fast-changing, technical work environments. With the skilled worker demand increasing due to retirements and rapid growth in new technology, this conveniently located, state-of-the art training center is critical."
– Joe Kinsella, Founder, Pointe Precision, Inc.

Programming

Programs planned to be offered:

  • Precision Machining Technician (expansion)
  • Machinist Apprenticeship (relocation)
  • Fabrication Technician (new)
  • Welding Certificate (new)
  • Ironworker Apprenticeship (relocation)
  • Advanced Manufacturing Technology (new)
  • Electrician Apprenticeship (relocation)
  • Electrical & Instrumentation Technician Apprenticeship (relocation)
  • Civil Engineering Technology-Highway Technician (relocation)
  • Mechanical Design (new)
  • Quality and Lean Certificates (new)
  • Supply Chain Logistics (new)
  • Metrology Apprenticeship (new)
  • Liberal Arts Transfer – Engineering (new)
  • Manufacturing Operations Management (expansion)
  • Technical and Soft Skills Training (expansion)
  • Grant Development (expansion)
  • Safety Training (expansion)

Local economic impact of the additional skilled salaries will exceed $1.5M annually by 2026.

What Can I Do To Help?

Mid-State recognizes the importance of working with area partners to develop the qualified workforce needed to sustain and grow the central Wisconsin economy. This critical project calls for collaboration between industry partners, educational institutions, state and local government, and community members. United, these key stakeholders become a powerful force to ensure the economic well-being of the area. Please consider becoming a partner to secure the future of our communities and workforce.

Monetary, equipment, and material donations are all welcome!

"Labor market data shows increases in machining, automation, engineering, welding, and civil engineering related employment in central Wisconsin through 2027. Providing a convenient, local option for students and adults to enter these careers will keep central Wisconsin strong."
– Scott Groholski, Co-Founder and President, Point of Beginning, Inc.  

Sample Partner Investment Levels

Co-sponsored spaces available!

DIAMOND - $750,000+

Prominent Space / Atrium Sponsorship
Investment benefit:

  • Donor Branded Space (embossed lettering and logo)
  • Digital Monitor (donor story)
  • Donor Recognition Event
  • Inclusion in Marketing Materials
  • Student Engagement Opportunities

PLATINUM - $500,000+

Student Service Area
Investment benefit:

  • Donor Branded Space (embossed lettering and logo)
  • Donor Recognition Event
  • Inclusion in Marketing Materials
  • Student Engagement Opportunities

GOLD+ - $250,000+

Program Labs
Investment benefit:

  • Donor Branded Space (embossed lettering and logo)
  • Donor Recognition Event
  • Student Engagement Opportunities

GOLD - $200,000+

Support Labs, Computer Labs, Classrooms, and Main Corridor
Investment benefit:

  • Donor Branded Space (embossed lettering and logo)
  • Donor Recognition Event
  • Student Engagement Opportunities

SILVER - $100,000+

Conference Rooms, Corridors, and Entry Ways
Investment benefit: 

  • Space Named and Branded by Donor
  • Donor Recognition Event
  • Student Engagement Opportunities

BRONZE 

Tier One • Up to $99,999
Investment benefit:

  • X-Large Name on Donor Board
  • Donor Recognition Event

Tier Two • $25,000 - $49,999
Investment benefit:

  • Large Name on Donor Board
  • Donor Recognition Event

Tier Three • $10,000 - $24,999
Investment benefit:

  • Medium Name on Donor Board
  • Donor Recognition Event

Tier Four • <$9,999 
Investment benefit:

  • Small Name on Donor Board
  • Inclusion in Annual Report
Donors show support for Mid-State’s Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship Center project. From left: Wayne Bushman, Keegan Hastreiter, Kody Hastreiter, Ken Hastreiter, Kylan Hastreiter, Sondra Hastreiter, and Mid-State Vice President of Workforce Development & Community Relations Dr. Bobbi Damrow, President Dr. Shelly Mondeik, and Dean of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering and Transportation, Agriculture, Natural Resources & Construction Ryan Kawski.
Donors show support for Mid-State’s Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship Center project. From left: Wayne Bushman, Keegan Hastreiter, Kody Hastreiter, Ken Hastreiter, Kylan Hastreiter, Sondra Hastreiter, and Mid-State Vice President of Workforce Development & Community Relations Dr. Bobbi Damrow, President Dr. Shelly Mondeik, and Dean of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering and Transportation, Agriculture, Natural Resources & Construction Ryan Kawski.
Brothers Bill Fonti (president and CEO), Vince Fonti Jr. (chief procurement officer) and Joe Fonti (chief operations officer) of Furniture & ApplianceMart surrounded by Mid-State staff and leadership at the College’s milestone campaign celebration for the Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship Center held on the Stevens Point Campus, Sept. 17. Furniture & ApplianceMart’s donation pushed the campaign past the initial milestone $5 million milestone. Front row, from left: Dr. Bobbi Damrow, Mid-State VP of Workforce Development and Community Relations; Dr. Shelly Mondeik, Mid-State president; Bill, Vince, and Joe Fonti; Ryan Kawski, Mid-State Dean of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering and Transportation, Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Construction. Back row, from left: Campaign co-chair Joe Kinsella; instructors Michael Johnson, Aaron Wulk, Michael Schultz and Matt McCall; campaign chair Wayne Bushman; and instructor Jim Koskey.
Brothers Bill Fonti (president and CEO), Vince Fonti Jr. (chief procurement officer) and Joe Fonti (chief operations officer) of Furniture & ApplianceMart surrounded by Mid-State staff and leadership at the College’s milestone campaign celebration for the Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship Center held on the Stevens Point Campus, Sept. 17. Furniture & ApplianceMart’s donation pushed the campaign past the initial $5 million milestone. Front row, from left: Dr. Bobbi Damrow, Mid-State VP of Workforce Development and Community Relations; Dr. Shelly Mondeik, Mid-State president; Bill, Vince, and Joe Fonti; Ryan Kawski, Mid-State Dean of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering and Transportation, Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Construction. Back row, from left: Campaign co-chair Joe Kinsella; instructors Michael Johnson, Aaron Wulk, Michael Schultz and Matt McCall; campaign chair Wayne Bushman; and instructor Jim Koskey.
Gamber-Johnson President & COO Gautam Malik, and  CEO Brian Wagner
Gamber-Johnson President & COO Gautam Malik, and CEO Brian Wagner
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce President & CEO Kurt Bauer, Midstate Mascot Grit, and Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry President, Scott Larson
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce President & CEO Kurt Bauer, Midstate Mascot Grit, and Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Scott Larson
Mid-State Faculty: Mike Schultz, Mike Johnson, Grit, Matt McCall and Jim Koskey
Mid-State Faculty: Mike Schultz, Mike Johnson, Grit, Matt McCall and Jim Koskey

For more information

Contact Bobbi Damrow, Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Relations (715.422.5421).

Project Video

Partner Videos

Partner Photos

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Apprenticeship Center

AMETA Site Dedication Photos

AMETA Site Dedication Photos

AMETA Groundbreaking Photos

AMETA Center Groundbreaking