KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WFRV) – The workforce of tomorrow was celebrated in Kaukauna at an event similar to a college athletic signing as new apprentices put pen to paper at the Local 400 training center on Friday morning.
“We are celebrating our new group of first-year apprentices,” Local 400 Business Manager Doug Dokey said.
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“It used to be that they would push more 4-year college, and now they are realizing the trades are an option as well,“ Dokey said. “We are getting more young folks who want to do this.“
For apprentice Magdalene Fett at Hurckman Mechanical Inc., this is the start of a five-year apprenticeship as a steam fitter.
“It’s free education, and there aren’t a lot of pipe welding programs specifically for that here,” Fett said. “It’s a great opportunity to know that you can leave here with the experience and the knowledge to succeed on the job, as long as you put in the work.”
Others at the event are beginning a new career change, like Kristopher Carbine, who spent 20 years in the army as a vehicle mechanic.
Now he is starting an apprenticeship at Tweet Garot.
“In the military, we would call this unit pride,” Carbine said. “I am very honored to be here and not only represent myself but also Tweet Garot.”
The contractors pay for their schooling, and in return get knowledgeable workers.
“It’s been a good partnership for EGI Mechanical to get the skills and training we need in this industry,” Project Manager Joe Gorges said.
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It also gives the apprentices the chance to start a career debt-free.
“It’s an advantage to the trade that these young people can come in, get an associate’s degree in the trade, and they are paid to do it debt-free,” Dokey said.
