Wheelers Family Auto Group welcomed middle school students to a hands-on auto collision painting experience as part of Mid-State Technical College’s College Camp 2026, held Wednesday, June 10, at Mid-State’s Wisconsin Rapids Campus.
The camp, themed “Passport to Fun: A Summer Youth Career Camp,” invited students entering grades 6, 7, and 8 to explore career paths through interactive workshops led by local professionals. As part of the Auto Collision Repair: Painting session, Wheelers introduced students to the creativity, skill, and career possibilities found in the automotive industry.
During the session, students painted their own skateboard blanks using professional-style auto body techniques. Each skateboard was prepped, masked, taped, painted with patriotic stencils, and baked, giving students a real look at the process used in collision repair and refinishing.
“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. This was a great way to introduce them to careers at Wheelers and right here in central Wisconsin.”
The session also highlighted a larger workforce goal: helping students discover meaningful careers close to home. “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’ activity was designed to be both educational and memorable, putting spray guns directly in students’ hands while connecting technical skills with creativity. The patriotic skateboard designs also served as a nod to the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States, while Wheelers continues celebrating more than 60 years of serving families throughout central Wisconsin.
“This program would not be possible without great local sponsors and area businesses coming together to support kids in our community,” Wheeler said. “Thank you to WATEA and WISCO for supporting youth in central Wisconsin.”
Families interested in future career exploration opportunities are encouraged to connect with Mid-State Technical College or Wheelers Family Auto Group to learn more about automotive, auto body, and technical career pathways.
Visit www.WheelersGm.com to learn more.
(Photo courtesy of Wheeler’s Auto Group via press release)
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