Declan O’Connor, a member of the Fond du Lac High School Class of 2025, is well on his way to launching a career in steam-fitting thanks to Moraine Park’s dual enrollment programs. Through his participation in Moraine Park’s Start College Now program and the Robotics, Engineering and Manufacturing (REM) Academy, O’Connor has earned 19 college credits before his high school graduation next spring.
By May 2025, O’Connor will have completed Moraine Park’s Manufacturing Fundamentals Certificate and Automated Manufacturing Technician Technical Diploma. He plans to pursue an apprenticeship as a steam-fitter, leveraging his technical training and hands-on experience to stand out in a competitive field.
“When a family friend told me about Start College Now and the REM Academy, I was excited by the idea of taking college courses outside of high school that would give me a head start on my future,” O’Connor said. “Classes like blueprint reading and welding are exactly what I need to prepare for my career, and they’re making a real difference in my confidence and skills.”
O’Connor’s mother is equally proud of the progress her son has made. “He’s found a sense of direction and enjoys going to school more than ever,” she said. “The program has not only given him new skills but has also shown him a clear path to his future.”
Through the REM Academy, O’Connor has dual credit courses at Fond du Lac High School in Technical Print Reading, College Algebra with Applications, Computer Literacy, CAD 3-D Solidworks and College 101. These courses, paired with his Start College Now credits, have provided him with a solid foundation in manufacturing and engineering principles.
Most importantly, O’Connor is one of four Fond du Lac High School students set to earn both the Manufacturing Fundamentals Certificate and the Automated Manufacturing Technician Technical Diploma upon graduation in 2025. With these credentials in hand, he’s ready to begin his career journey in steam-fitting.
“I’m excited to see where this takes me,” O’Connor added. “These programs have given me a huge advantage, and I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided.”