48 Moraine Park Apprentices Receive Tools of the Trade Scholarships

Moraine Park Technical College is proud to announce that 48 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 can be a pathway to a family-sustaining career in an in-demand field. 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. 

 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 a job in an in-demand field. 

 “Ascendium has continued to be a strong partner and supporter of Moraine Park’s apprenticeship programs and students,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park Technical College president, said. “The support of this scholarship helps to eliminate financial barriers, allowing our students to focus on completing their education and securing jobs throughout our district.” 

 Over the last 13 years, Ascendium has provided over $8.8 million in scholarships through its Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program. Apprentices are eligible to apply for a scholarship if they are enrolled at a Wisconsin 

Technical College System college and receiving credit for both fall and spring semesters, are enrolled in an eligible construction or industrial trade, and demonstrate a financial need. 

 For more information on Moraine Park’s apprenticeship opportunities, visit morainepark.edu/apprenticeship. 

 Moraine Park’s student recipients are: