Mid-State Technical College is proud to announce 109 construction and industrial trade apprentices received a Tools of the Trade scholarship from Ascendium this year. Each apprentice received $2,000 to use toward tools, clothing, equipment, tuition and other needs that help them complete the required education and training for their trade.

Apprenticeships pair on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. They provide a direct pathway to family-sustaining careers in high-demand fields. According to the Wisconsin Technical College System’s most recent apprenticeship completion report, registered apprentices who complete their related instruction through a Wisconsin technical college earn an annual median salary of $90,000.

Mid-State Technical College offers a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities across in-demand trades, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, machining, maintenance and millwright programs. Through strong partnerships with local employers, apprentices gain hands-on experience while building the technical knowledge needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Financial pressure can make it difficult for apprentices to complete their training, especially while balancing work, education and family responsibilities. The Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program helps reduce those barriers so apprentices can stay focused on completing their programs and advancing their careers.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive the Tools of the Trade scholarship,” said Dylan Hoff, Construction Electrician (ABC) apprenticeship student at Mid-State Technical College. “It reduces financial pressure and allows me to concentrate on learning my trade and working toward a successful future.”

Carter Grove, another Construction Electrician (ABC) apprentice, pointed to the immediate impact of the award. “The $2,000 I received covers my tuition for the school year,” he said.

Over the last 13 years, Ascendium has provided more than $8.8 million in scholarships through its Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program. Apprentices are eligible to apply if they are enrolled at a Wisconsin Technical College System college, receive credit for both fall and spring semesters, are enrolled in an eligible construction or industrial trade and demonstrate financial need.

“We’re fortunate to continue our partnership with Ascendium, whose support has allowed a large number of our past and current apprentices to better serve our district partners,” said Mid-State Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator Cole Schmidt. “Seeing our apprentices receive these scholarship funds is truly impactful—this support helps ease financial barriers and allows them to stay focused on developing their skills and advancing their careers. It’s an investment not only in their success, but in the strength of the workforce and communities we serve.”

Mid-State’s apprenticeship programs include Arborist, Carpenter, Construction Electrician (ABC), Construction Electrician (IBEW-NECA), Electrical & Instrumentation Technician, Ironworker, Machinist, Maintenance Technician, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic, Plumber, and Steamfitter and Steamfitter Service.

Following is the list of Mid-State’s Tools of the Trade Scholarship recipients, grouped by apprenticeship program:

Carpenter

Eli Bentley
Kadyn Peterson

Construction Electrician (ABC)

Sawyer Ambelang
Garrett Barber
Dustin Bergman
Shawn Brunner
Harley Bukovic
Spencer Buskager
Luke Carpenter Jr
Derek Dehlinger
Alex Edwards
Andrew Fedie
Mitchell Fox
Jackson Fredy
Cameron Gebert
Carter Grove
Nathan Gruber
Alex Hahm
Joel Hielema
Dylan Hoff
Niko Hewitt
Jared Kazmierczak
Caleb Keisler
Tucker Kraemer
Hunter Lester
Brett Lew
Jack Lucht
Shannon Martling
Braxton Meyer
Brady Miller
Hunter Mullen
Anthony Petak-Martellio
Mason Rachu
Brandon Rzentkowski
Mason Sauter
Dominik Sawyer
Benjamin Sinclair
Brady Stich
Brock Sullivan
Ben Weaver
Austin Wolfe
Austin Zywicki
Jacob Zimmermann

Construction Electrician (IBEW-NECA)

Jonathan Beggs
Michael Barcenas
Jeremiah Carlson
Vincent Casetta
Arin Dettmering
Brock Foley
Benjamin Francel
Evan Groshek
Ian Haugen
Hunter Jensen
Anthony Kosmalski
Jacob Kuehl
Seth Leszczynski
Charles Lorbiecki
Colton Lotter
Logan Collins
Logan Stieve
Nicholas Palecek
Jared Polum
Alayna Pozorski
Thomas Rodman
Robert Schulz III
Andrew Schutz
Nathan Simmons
Dawson Steczynski
Bryant Thao
Isabella Wilke
Brian Young
Jacob Zernicke

Electrical & Instrumentation Technician

Adam Chojnacki
Tyler Mau

Machinist

Travis Adams
Carter Raatz
Richard Wayka

Maintenance Technician

Erik Hanneman
Anthony Konop

Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic

Edward Bouchard
Gunner Burgau
Gunnar David
Lacey Goffin
Patrick Huebner
Cameron Nyseth
Luke Oconnor
Gerald Rickaby
Brandon Whitney
Robert Young

Plumber

Patrick Kleman
Joseph Schmidt

Steamfitter

Choua Cha
Christian Scheunemann
Dustin Hastings
Lucas Ostricki
Joshua Schwie
Caden Smith
Aidan Smith
Mitchell Swedowski
Alex Wojtalewicz
Ayden Weisenberger

Steamfitter Service

Richard Benaszeski
Blake Furger
Ethan Zastrow