Seven Gateway Technical College apprenticeship students were each awarded $2,000 Tools of the Trade Scholarships to help cover out-of-pocket expenses such as tuition, tools and clothing to help them complete their training.

Each year, Ascendium Education Group recognizes the important role of apprenticeships in preparing students for in-demand jobs by providing scholarships through the Tools of the Trade Scholarship program. This program aims to help apprentices overcome financial barriers so they can focus on completing their apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeship is an important solution to the skilled labor shortage,” said Matt Janisin, Gateway vice president-Business and Workforce Solutions. “Gateway is thankful to Ascendium for recognizing the hard work and dedication of our apprentices by awarding them this scholarship to help ensure they have the resources to continue their career journey.”

This year, the following Gateway student apprentices will receive a scholarship:

• Derek Andersen, electrician
• Tyler Baar, maintenance technician
• Ryan Carr, electrician
• Michaela Foss, electrician
• Pamela Karczewski, electrician
• Devonta Maxey, electrician
• Michael Wentland, electrician

“We’re pleased to support a record number of WTCS apprentices this year through our Tools of the Trade Scholarship program,” said Brett Lindquist, vice president of strategic communications at Ascendium.

“At Ascendium, we’re focused on removing barriers that prevent people from achieving their academic and career goals. The scholarship alleviates some of their financial stress, allowing them to focus on their apprenticeship.”

This year, Ascendium awarded $1.5 million in scholarships to 771 construction and industrial trade apprentices from 15 Wisconsin Technical College System institutions.