For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Seven Mid-State Technical College construction and industrial apprentices have recently received Tools of the Trade $1,000 Apprentice Scholarships from Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage students to focus on finishing their apprenticeship by alleviating some of the financial burdens that may disrupt the completion of their program and from finding a rewarding career.

Between work, school, and family obligations, money can be tight for apprentices, who also experience the added financial stress of purchasing specialized equipment such as work boots, tools, and winter clothing. The $1,000 scholarship, awarded to 200 Wisconsin Technical College System students statewide, helps apprentices cover the cost of that basic but vital equipment.

Since the program was founded, 32 Mid-State apprentices have received $1,000 scholarships from Great Lakes.

“This scholarship eases the financial burden and allows me to take more classes while concentrating on school,” said David Chiapuzio, a plumbing apprentice with Chet’s Plumbing & Heating in Stevens Point.

Employers are struggling to keep up with industry demand due to a lack of skilled workers, making apprenticeship more important than ever. In fact, construction and industrial trade jobs are projected to grow 10 percent or more through 2024, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

“Scholarships are critical to helping students afford the education they need to pursue a career that will improve their lives,” said Ron Zillmer, dean of Mid-State’s School of Transportation, Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Construction. “I’m pleased to see so many of our apprentices apply for and receive this generous award from Great Lakes this year.”

The following Mid-State apprenticeship students were awarded the 2016–2017 Tools of the Trade $1,000 Apprentice Scholarship:

David Chiapuzio, Plumbing (Plover)
Hunter Harman, Electrician (Arpin)
Hunter Ladick, Plumbing (Vesper)
Trent Lewis, Plumbing (Neilsville)
Ryan Prochnow, Electrician (Vesper)
Matthew Roytek, HVAC (Mondovi)
Keegan Wilke, Electrician (Minocqua)

For more information and a complete list of the apprenticeships offered at Mid-State, please visit http://www.mstc.edu/programs/apprenticeships.