Heavy Metal Tour® for Trades Of Tomorrow

Heavy Metal Tour® for Trades of Tomorrow: Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturers

The Heavy Metal Tour® for Trades of Tomorrow (HMT) is a dynamic event designed to connect students, educators, and manufacturers in Central Wisconsin, opening doors to rewarding career paths in the manufacturing sector. The 2025 HMT event will occur October 7-9. This year's program includes enhanced and expanded experiences for 8th-grade students, high schoolers, and educators, all designed to provide an up-close and personal look at the world of modern manufacturing.

What to Expect:

• Plant Tours: Students will tour local manufacturing plants to experience the work environment firsthand, observe cutting-edge technologies, and interact with industry professionals. Each tour will be approximately one hour.
• CTE Lab Visits: Before heading to manufacturing sites, 8th graders will visit local high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) labs. Students will be able to talk with current CTE students and instructors and explore the resources available in CTE programs.
• Hands-on Activities & Resources: Prior to the HMT event, educators will have access to hands-on activities and resources to use in the classroom, preparing students for their tour and reinforcing the concepts learned.
• Networking: Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about company culture, and meet potential mentors, fostering valuable connections with industry professionals.

Goals of the Heavy Metal Tour® for Trades of Tomorrow:

• Build connections between manufacturers, educators, students, and parents.
• Highlight manufacturing as a viable and rewarding career path.
• Enhance educational CTE efforts to prepare students with career-ready skills.
• Provide a meaningful personal learning experience that builds awareness of manufacturing careers.

Save the Date: October 7, 8, and 9, 2025

Registration for school districts is due June 6, 2025. Join us for the Heavy Metal Tour® for Trades of Tomorrow and help inspire the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

Re-Cap of K-12 Kick Off

Registar Today!

Heavy Metal Tour® for Trades of Tomorrow: Invest in Your Future Workforce

The Heavy Metal Tour® for Trades of Tomorrow (HMT) is an unparalleled opportunity for Central Wisconsin manufacturers to connect with and inspire the next generation of skilled workers. This annual event brings 8th-grade students, high school students, and educators directly to your facilities, showcasing the innovation, technology, and career opportunities within your company. The 2025 HMT event will be held October 7-9.

Why Participate?

• Talent Pipeline Development: Directly engage with potential future employees and spark their interest in manufacturing careers.
• Shape Perceptions: Showcase the reality of modern manufacturing – dispel outdated stereotypes and highlight the exciting and rewarding aspects of the industry.
• Community Engagement: Demonstrate your commitment to the local community and contribute to workforce development initiatives.
• Brand Awareness: Increase visibility and build a positive reputation among students, educators, parents, and the community.
• Influence Curriculum: Provide input and guidance to educators, helping to align curriculum with the needs of the manufacturing industry.

Key Features for 2025:

• Expanded Reach: Connect with students from across CWIMA's 55-district geographic region.
• Enhanced Engagement: Participate in providing hands-on activities and experiences that capture students' attention and leave a lasting impression.
• Consistent Tour Format: Participating hosts will receive an HMT Toolkit with recommendations for creating a successful and valuable tour experience.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Choose from various sponsorship tiers to increase your visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the future of manufacturing.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Demonstrate your commitment to the future of manufacturing by becoming an HMT sponsor. Choose the level that best suits your company's goals and budget: 

• Copper Level ($250): This is an entry-level option, offering basic visibility and brand exposure for small businesses or first-time sponsors. 
  • Logo or company name listing on the Manufacturing Month/HMT landing page with a direct link to the company URL
  • Logo or company name included in marketing materials.
• Bronze Level ($500): 
  • Everything in Copper level
  • 1 ad in the monthly newsletter/campaign per year
  • 1 social media posting per year on (platform TBD)
• Silver Level ($1,500): The mid-tier option provides more promotion opportunities. 
  • Everything in Bronze level
  • Option to host one HMT tour on-site per day
  • Receive a Manufacturing Day Host Tool Kit
  • Up to 3 ads in the monthly newsletter/campaign per year
  • Up to 3 social media postings per year on (platform TBD)
• Gold Level ($3,000): Offers high visibility and premium positioning. 
  • Everything in Silver level
  • Prime hosting options for 2 HMT tours on-site per day
  • Prominent logo placement on all HMT event materials
  • Up to 6 ads in the monthly newsletter/campaign per year
  • Up to 6 social media postings per year on (platform TBD)
  • Opportunity to include company information/swag in HMT participant packets (sponsor's expense)
  • 1 Recruitment Spotlight that highlights job openings
  • Speaking/presentation opportunity to High School Junior and Senior students/parents/educators
• Platinum Level ($5,000+): The level is designed for major players who want to make a significant impact and gain the highest level of exposure with exclusive benefits. 
  • Everything in Gold level
  • Prime hosting options for 2 HMT tours on-site per day
  • Option to participate in and receive a personalized engagement opportunity with High School juniors and seniors and their parents and CTE instructors
  • Top and largest positioning on all HMT promotional materials
  • Up to 12 ads in the monthly newsletter/campaign per year
  • Up to 12 social media postings per year on (platform TBD)
  • Distribution of company materials to High School juniors and seniors, their parents, and CTE instructors
  • Sponsor Spotlight: A dedicated article/landing page on the website to share insights or success stories related to manufacturing.

Take Action:

Invest in your future workforce by participating in the Heavy Metal Tour® for Trades of Tomorrow. Contact us to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved in shaping the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

Save the Dates: October 7, 8, and 9, 2025.

Rigister Today: by clicking button above!

Deadline: August 15, 2025