Madison Reporter

Madison College’s Fort Atkinson campus is set to host the annual Metal Mania event on Thursday, October 9. This year’s theme, "Ignite Your Potential: Stronger Welds, Stronger Health Care," focuses on the link between skilled trades and health care.

The event will feature a Metal Fabrication and Welding competition involving teams from high schools, Madison College students, and community members from Southeastern Wisconsin. The team that wins will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

A new addition this year is a silent auction where attendees can bid on sculptures created during the competition. The money raised will support students in Madison College’s Metal Fabrication and Welding program at the Fort Atkinson campus.

Attendees will have access to live demonstrations of laser cutting, welding, and blacksmithing. Family activities are planned, including games and a chance to meet Wolfie, the college mascot. Campus tours and free lunch will be available.

Healthcare-themed exhibits are also part of the event. Emergency response vehicles such as an ambulance and a UW Health MedFlight helicopter will be on display. Visitors can meet nursing program faculty and students as well as tour Madison College Fort Atkinson's facilities.

Metal Mania highlights two career paths offered at the Fort Atkinson campus: the Metal Fabrication with Welding Bolt-on Program and Practical Nursing/Nursing Assistant Programs. Both programs can be completed within one year at this location.

The event is free and open to everyone in the community, including schools and students interested in exploring careers in welding, fabrication, or health care.

For more information about opportunities at Madison College Fort Atkinson campus, contact the Fort Atkinson Welcome Center at 920.568.7220 or email fortatkinson@madisoncollege.edu.