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We are featuring apprentices going above and beyond each day of Apprenticeship Week. Check back each day during Apprenticeship Week to read their stories.
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
Jacob Hinz, mechatronics technician apprentice, Buhler, Inc.
Jacob Hinz heard about the apprenticeship opportunity from Buhler, Inc. through his high school career counselor and joined the program the summer after graduation. Hinz has embraced every opportunity to acquire new skills and develop as a technical leader, including volunteering to write PLC programs for more experienced technicians and teaching them how to modify the programs. Hinz will complete his automation robotics engineering technology AAS degree and obtain his mechatronics technician certificate in spring 2025. Following those achievements he will transition into a full-time junior software engineering role with Buhler.
Friday, Nov. 22, 2024
Erick Hanson, pipefitter apprentice, Minneapolis Pipefitters Local 539
After a decade in the Coast Guard, Eric Hanson completed a two-year HVAC program from Dunwoody College of Technology and applied to the Minneapolis Pipefitters Local 539 apprenticeship program. His instructors say Hanson is an exemplary apprentice who embodies the character, skill and ethics they strive for in the trade. The apprenticeship program has also helped Hanson ease his transition from military service and continue earning a good wage, insurance and benefits. He is on track to complete his apprenticeship in May 2025 and aims to take on a leadership position like project management or manpower.
Madison Jennings, heat and frost pipe insulator apprentice, Twin City Heat and Frost Insulators Local 34
Madison Jennings comes from a family of Local 34 members. Following a pre-apprentice program and military deployment with the Army National Guard, she was selected to enter the apprenticeship program. Jennings’ strong will, integrity and motivation to do the highest quality job possible has allowed her to earn accolades from instructors. Her apprenticeship experience has brought her closer to reaching financial goals, helped her transition from military service and given her the confidence and strength to become a leader in the industry. Jennings’ future goal is to earn her journeyworker certification and eventually serve as an instructor in the union’s apprenticeship program.
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024
Jessica Hoehn, construction craft laborer, LIUNA MN/ND
Jessica Hoehn first heard about the construction craft laborer apprenticeship program through an acquaintance and ran with the opportunity. Her hard work and commitment to training has led to good pay and benefits, which has been a life-changer for her family. Hoehn said she’s enjoyed the new experiences she’s had as a construction craft laborer and her goal is to continue to learn new things and excel in her career.
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024
David Lehn, electrician apprentice, St. Paul Electrical JATC, IBEW 110
David Lehn attended a two-year construction electrician program at Anoka Technical College before applying to the St. Paul Electrical JATC apprenticeship program. He’s recognized as a hard worker, engaged, and his instructors say his dedication to helping others succeed will make an amazing leader in the industry. Lehn said he has benefited from the high-quality education he’s received, great wages and family benefits and that he hopes to eventually own his own electrical company.
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024
Daniel Buchal, electrician apprentice, St. Paul Electrical JATC, IBEW 110
Daniel Buchal was approached by an IBEW local 110 representative and soon signed on to the St. Paul Electrical JATC apprenticeship program, and says joining the program was one of the best decisions he has ever made. According to Buchal, his teachers and leaders in the field in have helped him grow as an electrician. His instructors say he excels in the field and the classroom, and they take note of his strong work ethic and commitment to helping others. Buchal hopes in the future to work as a foreman with a team of his peers, engineers and designers and eventually start his own shop.
Monday, Nov. 18, 2024
Anthony Pitoscia, inside electrician apprentice, Iron Range Electrical JATC
Anthony Pitoscia is an electrician apprentice with Iron Range Electrical JATC. He was introduced to the benefits of an apprenticeship through his time at Lake Superior College. Praised for his great attitude and work ethic, Pitoscia said the hand-on experience and working with knowledgeable and friendly journeyworkers has put him on a path to earn his master electrician license.
Richard Braun, floor coverer, Twin Cities Floor Coverers JATC
Richard Braun followed his brother into the floor coverer trade. Braun said the apprenticeship through the Twin Cities Floor Coverers JATC has been a benefit because of the hands-on learning experiences in the field that provide the tools to succeed on the job. His instructors say Braun’s outstanding work ethic placed him at the top of his class and he’s on track to have a great career. In the future, Braun hopes to move into a leadership role, but for now he’s content learning as much as he can and continuing to gain experience in his chosen trade.