Wheelers Wisconsin Rapids Welcomes Mid-State College Camp Students for Hands-On Auto Body Experience

Wheelers Wisconsin Rapids was proud to welcome local middle school students for a hands-on career experience as part of Mid-State Technical College’s College Camp 2026.

Held right here in Wisconsin Rapids, the camp gives students entering grades 6 through 8 the chance to explore different career paths through interactive, real-world activities. For the Wheelers Rapids team, it was a great opportunity to show students that exciting automotive careers are available close to home.

“I’ve grown up in this industry, and I know the awesome careers that are available in it,” said Mary Jo Wheeler of Wheelers Family Auto Group. “A lot of people haven’t been exposed to those opportunities, so we need to show students what we do.”

A Hands-On Look at Auto Body Careers in Wisconsin Rapids

During the Wheelers session, students stepped into the world of auto collision repair and refinishing by painting their own skateboard blanks.

Each skateboard was prepped, masked, taped, painted with patriotic stencils, and baked, giving students a fun and memorable look at the same types of steps used in a professional auto body environment. Students also had the chance to use spray guns and experience how creativity, attention to detail, and technical skill come together in automotive refinishing.

The project gave students more than a finished skateboard. It gave them a firsthand look at a career path they may not have considered before.

Showing Students What’s Possible Close to Home

One of the goals of the day was to help students see the opportunities that exist right here in the Wisconsin Rapids area.

“Our number one export is our kids,” Wheeler said. “We need to keep them here by showing them the awesome career opportunities we have in central Wisconsin.”

Wheelers Wisconsin Rapids is proud to be part of a local business community that supports students, families, and workforce development. Automotive careers can include collision repair, refinishing, service, parts, sales, customer care, management, and more, and many of those opportunities are available right here in the Rapids area.

Celebrating Community, Careers, and Creativity

The skateboard project also featured patriotic stencil designs in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th birthday. It was a fun way to combine creativity, craftsmanship, and community pride into one hands-on experience.

For Wheelers, the day was about more than introducing students to auto body work. It was about encouraging curiosity, building confidence, and showing young people that they can build a future here in Wisconsin Rapids and central Wisconsin.

Thank You to Mid-State and Our Local Partners

Wheelers Wisconsin Rapids would like to thank Mid-State Technical College for hosting College Camp 2026 and for inviting our team to be part of this year’s career exploration experience.

We also want to thank the local sponsors and partners who helped make the program possible. Your support helps create meaningful opportunities for students in our community.

Interested in Automotive Careers?

Students and families interested in learning more about automotive, auto body, or technical career opportunities are encouraged to connect with Mid-State Technical College or reach out to the Wheelers Wisconsin Rapids team.

Wheelers has been proud to serve the friends and families of Wisconsin Rapids and central Wisconsin for more than 60 years. We’re grateful for the opportunity to invest in local students and help them discover the careers that could keep their talents right here at home.