Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Apprenticeship topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
17-year-old apprentice describes paid welding experience at La Crosse fabrication shop
Summary
Avery Smith, a 17-year-old apprentice at Steiger Steel Fabrication in La Crosse, told the Holmen School District meeting that the apprenticeship provides paid, hands-on training, school credit and varied fabrication work that helped him explore career options.
Avery Smith, a 17-year-old apprentice at Steiger Steel Fabrication in La Crosse, told the Holmen School District meeting that his apprenticeship gives him paid, hands-on training and school credit.
"I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to even get this experience," Smith said. "I'm here every day welding and learning new skills. In a fun environment... you're doing something different almost every day."
Smith described the work as varied and practical. "We do a bunch of custom fabrication and stuff, so you're never really doing the exact same thing over and over," he said. He added that apprentices leave school early to work and receive pay while earning credit.
He framed the apprenticeship as a way to test career interests before committing to more schooling. "If you think you might be interested in something before you go spend a lot of money on schooling... absolutely do it," Smith said.
Smith also noted the program's role in training younger workers and offering alternatives to retail or other entry-level jobs commonly available to teens. He said the hands-on experience helped him clarify next steps without naming a specific post‑graduation plan.
