For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 15, 2026

Belmont student completing CNC program before high school graduation

Fennimore -

While most high school seniors are counting down the days to graduation, Belmont High School student Cody Kletecka will soon reach a major milestone: earning a college technical diploma before receiving his high school diploma.

Kletecka will graduate next month from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Setup Technician program, about a week-and-a-half before he walks the stage at Belmont High School. “I figured if I could get it done while I’m still in high school, I’d be ahead of the game,” he said.

He learned about the program through a friend and a school counselor, who encouraged him to take advantage of the opportunity. The one-year program fit seamlessly into his senior schedule, allowing him to attend classes on campus Monday through Thursday mornings before returning to Belmont for his required English course. “The schedule worked out really well,” he said.

Kletecka said one of the biggest benefits of the program was its accessibility. Through his high school, the full cost of tuition was covered, leaving him responsible only for transportation. “My parents thought it was a great opportunity,” he said.

Drawn to hands-on work and technology, Kletecka said he has always been interested in machines and robotics. During his time in the program, he found a particular interest in working with the CNC mill, where he has produced a variety of parts and projects. “I’ve made some pretty cool things on that so far,” he said.

Kletecka’s experience has already helped shape his future plans. After graduating from high school, he intends to return to Southwest Tech in the fall to pursue a degree in Electro-mechanical Technology, a field that builds on his CNC training and expands into robotics and automation. “It kind of branches off into robots and things like that,” he said.

Long term, Kletecka hopes to begin his career in a machine shop and eventually work his way into research and development for a larger company.

He is currently employed as a janitor at his high school and plans to pursue a manufacturing job this summer.

By completing a technical college credential before high school graduation, Kletecka is entering the workforce with advanced skills and a clear direction, an example of how early college opportunities can accelerate career pathways for students. “I’m glad I did it,” he said. “It definitely puts me ahead.”

• Learn more about Dual Enrollment opportunities: https://tinyurl.com/nxczhzh6