While many students debate what they want to do after high school, at least one option has gotten a bit clearer. Welding.
"To be able to be scored like this and see what you're doing while you're welding, it's huge, I fixed some of my own problems from it," said Kyle Stein.
It's all part of this Manufacturing Day event at area high schools.
Schuette, Inc. of Rothschild brought in a welding simulator.
Junior Kyle Stein is one of the top scorers at Wausau West High School.
"I didn't expect to be as good as I was, kind of gives me bragging rights on everybody else," said Stein.
Stein said although he wants to weld after he graduates, an opportunity like this helps other students check out their options.
That included students like Leya Slocum who gave the simulator a shot.
"I want to do welding next year and I think it's really fun," said Slocum.
Educators said they've seen a lot of curious students.
"It really shows manufacturing, welding as a viable career for a lot of students," said Wausau West Teacher, Theran Peterson.
Something manufacturers say the industry will need in the coming years.
"There's a need for welders in this area and in the United States, there's a shortage, so as the baby boomers retire, we're lacking on good, skilled labor," said Schuette, Inc. Education Director, Anthony Schmidt.
The welding simulator will be at Wausau West through Friday afternoon. Next week, it will travel to D.C. Everest and Mosinee High School.
Organizers say the top 3 scorers from each school will compete in a district-wide welding competition later this month.
