For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS –Mid-State Technical College construction and industrial trade apprentices recently received $1,500 Tools of the Trades scholarships from Ascendium Education Group, formerly known as Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates.

The awards are designed to help apprentices with financial need in the Wisconsin Technical College System complete their programs and continue earning in their high-demand careers.

Most apprenticeships combine up to five years of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Wages are modest and financial aid options are limited for apprentices. The Tools of the Trade scholarship assist apprentices with the purchase of expensive tools, clothing and equipment vital to their trades. Tools of the Trade scholarships help these apprentices stay on track in their training.

“It’s satisfying to again see so many Mid-State apprenticeship students apply for and receive a scholarship from Ascendium,” said Mandy Mayek, Mid-State associate dean of advanced manufacturing & engineering and transportation, agriculture, natural resources, & construction. “This support will go a long way toward helping them persist in their programs and continue to positively impact their families and local economies.”

Scholarship recipients are: Ethan Arndt, Construction Electrician; Francisco Cruz, Construction Electrician; Alexander Gotto, Construction Electrician; Ben Grosskopf, Plumber; Lucas Hannemann, Construction Electrician; Josh Held, Electrical & Instrumentation Technician; Tenille Karl, Construction Electrician; Joseph Kramer, Construction Electrician; Cody Lee, Construction Electrician; Collin Myhre, Construction Electrician; Garrett Radke, Construction Electrician; Matt Rees, Construction Electrician; and Trevor Rhodes, Construction Electrician.