ABC of Wisconsin Apprenticeship and Training Trust awards 15 scholarships

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Fifteen apprentices in the skilled trades have been awarded $1,000 scholarships for the 2024-25 school year from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin’s Apprenticeship and Training Trust.

“This is the first year we’ve offered scholarships to apprentices,” said Cheyenne Foster, apprenticeship manager and scholarship coordinator, in a statement. “We know that apprenticeship is an investment of time and resources, and we are pleased to provide scholarships to support those training in our program.”

Nearly 2,500 apprentices are currently training as part of the ABC of Wisconsin program. Each one is employed by an ABC member, and is paid while training. The scholarships will assist them with costs associated with tools, instruction at technical schools and related needs. Almost 150 apprentices applied for the scholarship award.

Applicants were asked to provide references from both an employer and an instructor, and to complete two short essays detailing their interest in the trades and the importance of the scholarship. The 15 apprentices selected all demonstrated character, work ethic and a commitment to the trades.

“We are so impressed with the high quality of the applicant pool,” said Gerry Krebsbach, chair of the ABC of Wisconsin Board of Trustees, in a statement. “We knew that our apprentices exhibit incredible work ethic and tenacity, and the applications showed us we have an incredible future being developed in Wisconsin’s construction industry.”

Money for the scholarships was provided by a large number of longtime ABC member companies.

“Our members care deeply about their employees, apprentices and the future of Wisconsin’s skilled trades workforce,” said Kelly Tourdot, incoming president of ABC, in a statement. “Their generous donations help to ensure that a new generation of apprentices have what they need to complete their program and become skilled craftsmen and women.”

For more information on the ABC Apprenticeship Scholarship, visit www.abcwi.org/apprenticeship-scholarship.