LOCAL FIRM UNLEASHES NEW WELDING TRAINING SOFTWARE
With over 450,000 welding jobs forecasted to become available in the next five years, America’s workforce needs to be prepared to meet the demand for skilled welders, and Eau Claire-based RealityWorks has created a revolutionary welding simulation that may help. TeachWELD combines virtual reality with real-time feedback to teach students how to weld properly and safely. Using this technology, students can literally get a feel for the welding equipment while learning the right techniques and receiving immediate feedback. And because the technology is interactive like a video game – it simulates a welding environment that requires a physical welding gun, welding coupons, a helmet and gloves while assessing the user’s techniques – RealityWorks has seen students become truly engaged in their learning experience. It’s even classroom-friendly, allowing teachers to train multiple students at one time. More information about teachWELD can be found online at www.realityworks.com.

STOUT GRAD TRYING OUT FOR GREEN BAY PACKERS
An offensive tackle for UW-Stout’s football team has an opportunity that many Wisconsin natives can only (and often do) dream of — a chance to try out for the Green Bay Packers.   After growing up cheering for the team, Tyler Butzler hopes to be out on the field with them in the near future. After an impressive proday at UW–Madison McClain Center, Butzler was able to impress the Green Bay scout.   Butzler received a phone call offering him a rookie tryout and he did not hesitate to seize the opportunity.   Butzler will be trying out for the position of guard with the Packers instead of the tackle position he held at UW-Stout. Cross your fingers as Butzler heads to impress the Packers and join our beloved team.