For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: May 3, 2022
Southwest Tech apprentices awarded Ascendium scholarships
Madison -Wisconsin has a longstanding tradition of apprenticeship, developing highly-skilled workers capable of meeting industry needs while also providing individuals with a lifetime skill and knowledge of a trade. Today’s industry demands these trained workers, especially as Wisconsin businesses face a shortage of workers due to retirements, falling birth rates and loss of talent as people leave the state for other employment opportunities.
Apprenticeships are a great solution to the skilled worker shortage. However, it may be hard for people to complete apprenticeships, especially if they are juggling school, work and family. There are also upfront costs to starting a program, including the purchase of necessary items like tools, equipment and protective clothing.
It’s why Ascendium Education Group is pleased to support 511 construction and industrial trade apprentices in the Wisconsin Technical College System through its Tools of the Trade Scholarship program. Each apprentice received a $1,500 scholarship to help purchase tools, clothing and equipment required by their trades to complete their programs and secure in-demand jobs. In total, Ascendium awarded $766,500 to eligible apprentices across 16 technical colleges this year.
At Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, 14 apprentices were awarded scholarships through the program.
Ninety-four percent of past scholarship recipients have completed or continued their apprenticeship in the fall following their scholarship award.
Ascendium recognizes the important role of apprenticeships in preparing students for working in the skilled trades. The nonprofit has supported apprentices with a financial need in the Wisconsin Technical College System since 2013. With this year’s award, Ascendium’s Tools of the Trade Scholarship program surpassed $2 million in total scholarship awards to eligible apprentices across the system.
“When learners have the opportunity to overcome financial barriers, they can focus on completing their apprenticeship and securing an in-demand job,” said Amy Kerwin, vice president – education philanthropy at Ascendium. “Whether studying to be an electrician, plumber, steamfitter or another trade, these apprentices can breathe a little easier knowing they have some of their expenses covered. We wish them continued success in their apprenticeship and subsequent career.”
To learn more about Ascendium’s philanthropy, visit ascendiumphilanthropy.org.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |