Link2Learn
- avanharen
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Network
Collaborate
Educate
Auto Trim DESIGN® was honored to be a guest at the first-ever Link2Learn event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, helping inspire and strengthen career readiness for local students.
On August 9, 2025, Auto Trim DESIGN® hosted an event at their shop with the Valley Vette’s Club. During this gathering, club members learned about Auto Trim DESIGN®’s detailing services while enjoying coffee and donuts. Among the attendees was a Technology and Engineering teacher from the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD).
Shortly after the event, the teacher reached out to Auto Trim DESIGN® to ask if they would be interested in speaking to his students. Auto Trim DESIGN® gladly agreed and helped arrange a field trip for the students to visit their shop in Neenah. The students were able to learn more about Graphic Design, Vinyl, and Paint Protection Film in a real-world setting.
After the tour and educational visit, the teacher who organized the experience invited Auto Trim DESIGN® to attend the first-ever Link2Learn Networking Event on February 6.
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) to host this event. It brought together educators and business leaders to collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen connections that support career readiness for local students.
This was a great opportunity for Auto Trim DESIGN® to give back to the community, inspire students, and become more involved in supporting schools, classrooms, and the future workforce.
At the event, Allie and Jordan represented Auto Trim DESIGN®, sharing insight into Graphic Design, Vinyl, and Paint Protection within the automotive industry. They were encouraged to see how OASD is actively working to prepare students for the real world — whether that means pursuing a two-year degree, four-year degree, technical college, military service, internship, or apprenticeship.
The event covered several focus areas, including:
Health Science
Technology & Engineering
Family & Consumer Science
Business
Agriculture
OASD shared the framework they use to guide students:
Know → Explore → Plan → Go
Know: How can OASD help students reach their goals?
Explore: What is the student good at? What interests them?
Plan: Develop a clear next step.
Go: Take action. If a student discovers something isn’t the right fit, they can return to the “Explore” stage.
OASD’s goal for 2030 is for 100% of students to explore career opportunities through internships, volunteer work, or similar experiences before graduation. While ambitious, this goal is achievable if the community works together and shares resources.
The district also highlighted its Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program, where local businesses play an important role.
The process includes:
Contacting the high school YA Coordinator, who guides employers through the process
Developing one or more YA positions within the organization
Reviewing applications and conducting interviews
Hiring the selected applicant and beginning on-boarding
The student officially becomes a Youth Apprentice
A major highlight of the event was the classroom tours. Groups split up to explore various learning environments. Allie and Jordan joined the Technology & Engineering group to connect on Graphic Design and see firsthand the classroom resources available to students interested in design. They were impressed by the equipment and tools provided, and it appears the district is on the right track toward helping students succeed.
OASD offers a wide variety of classes across multiple disciplines and continues to look for areas of improvement. The district also supports student clubs that allow students to explore their interests more deeply. Many of these clubs participate in competitions, giving students opportunities to grow, learn, and become excited about their passions.
Allie and Jordan were also able to provide input on:
Lab space and equipment alignment with industry standards
Safety and efficiency improvements
Curriculum and skill development
Employability skills and technical relevance
Industry partnerships (CBLEs) and engagement opportunities
They hope their shared advice and resources will help OASD and its students continue to thrive and make a lasting impact.
Overall, Allie and Jordan had a wonderful experience and felt honored to represent Graphic Design and Auto Trim DESIGN® at the first Link2Learn event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
A. Vanharen & J. Thienel
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