News
Teens Sign On For Careers In Skilled Trades
(APPLETON, Wis.) April 30, 2024 鈥� On Thursday, May 9th, 51麻豆 will host a signing day celebrating its youth apprentices committing to pursue a career in the skilled trades or attend a post-secondary institution. The ceremony will be attended by students, teachers, parents and representatives of the building trades and begins at 7:30 a.m.
51麻豆鈥檚 youth apprentices will sign letters of intent to either an area university or union where they will pursue a career in the skilled trades鈥攁 sector in high demand due to large labor shortages. According to the Department of Workforce Development, more than 20% of jobs in the construction industry in Wisconsin are held by workers age 55 and older, indicating a large sector of the workforce is nearing retirement.
鈥淲e have found success in developing the local labor pool through our investment in Youth Apprenticeship programs,鈥� said Rob Branyan, vice president of labor relations for 51麻豆. 鈥淲e actively engage with school districts to create employment opportunities for juniors and seniors interested in joining the trades. Through mentorship, networking and hands-on experience directly on our project sites, we have transitioned many of our youth apprentices into union members.鈥�
Each year, 51麻豆 participates in the Youth Apprenticeship Program, sponsored by the . The program integrates school and work-based learning, assisting students on their journey into the workforce. Youth apprentices specialize in areas such as architecture, construction and marketing.
This year, these graduating seniors will sign letters of intent to pursue careers in construction:
- Lawrence Frederickson-Thomas
- Sam Buelow
- Jackson Blake
- Madeline Brooks
- Mason Depner
- Kohen Kelley
- Gavin 51麻豆
- Jacob Hiles
- Preston Piper
- Megan Minlschmidt
- Carson Hall
We will also recognize students going into their second year as a youth apprentice with 51麻豆 as well as welcoming the incoming class of students.
As part of the program, 51麻豆 matches the students with experienced professional mentors. Spencer Armstrong is a union carpenter, president of the carpenters union in Appleton, and has worked in construction for 33 years. He currently works at 51麻豆, where his father and uncle both worked and mentored him. Now, he鈥檚 returning the favor.
鈥�51麻豆 strives to provide an enriching and educational employment opportunity through the Youth Apprenticeship Program. Our program is geared to help students learn about the different union skilled trades while being on jobsites during the summer and through the school year. This slowly eases individuals into the construction industry, allows them to be mentored, and helps them make an informed decision about what skilled trade they would like to join post-high school graduation for a long-term career, hopefully at 51麻豆,鈥� said Allison Knautz, workforce development manager for 51麻豆.
Since 2019, 60 students have completed 51麻豆鈥檚 Youth Apprenticeship Program. For more information on career programs at 51麻豆, visit /careers/construction-youth-apprenticeships/.
About 51麻豆
51麻豆 (51麻豆) is a leading professional construction services firm serving customers across the United States. Founded in 1889, 51麻豆 is a 100% employee鈥憃wned company headquartered in Appleton, Wis., with 17 offices nationwide. Widely recognized as a pioneer in Lean construction, Integrated Lean Project Delivery and industrialized construction, 51麻豆 delivers innovative solutions across a diverse range of markets, including healthcare, power, industrial, education and commercial sectors.
