20 apprentices at NTC receive tools of the trade scholarships

Northcentral Technical College (NTC) announces 20 construction and industrial trade apprentices received Tools of the Trade scholarships from Ascendium this year. Each apprentice received $2,000 to use toward the purchase of equipment, tools and clothing, tuition and more.

Apprenticeships are training programs that provide learners with on-thejob experience along with classroom instruction. NTC offers 13 apprenticeship programs, including: diesel technician, electrical and instrumentation, IT — data analyst, IT — service desk technician, IT — software developer, industrial electrician, lubrication technician, machinist, maintenance technician, medical assistant, millwright/maintenance mechanic, plumbing and tool and die maker. Many apprentices complete their programs and secure employment with businesses in the community.

However, financial pressure can make it hard for many learners to complete apprenticeships, especially if they are juggling school, work and family. The Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program aims to help apprentices overcome financial barriers so they can focus on continuing and completing their apprenticeship and secure an in-demand job.

“Apprentices have the flexibility to decide how these dollars will help each of them, based on their individual situation,” said Katie Metko, apprenticeship manager at NTC. “This makes a tremendous positive impact on apprentices at NTC because they are able to apply the scholarship funds toward their area of greatest need.”

This year, Ascendium awarded 771 scholarships to apprentices across the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) through its Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program for a total of $1,542,000. Apprentices are eligible to apply for a scholarship if they are enrolled and receiving credit for both fall and spring semesters, are enrolled in an eligible construction or industrial trade and demonstrate a financial need.

“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.”