AJ

“I got involved in the Registered Youth Apprenticeship program because I was looking for opportunity in the workforce to get a head start on a career.” AJ is a student at Lebanon Technical and Career Center who is working as an apprentice welder at Metaltech Products in Lebanon.

AJ said the work is challenging. Required measurements for his work are in thousandths of an inch, so he had to learn to read blueprints and determine tolerance levels for different types of materials. AJ said the biggest benefit is learning from experienced welders and knowing what to expect on the job once he graduates.

AJ encouraged other students to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Registered Youth Apprenticeship program. He added, “Hey, it’s not a bad thing to be out of school and go to work.”

Charlie

“I know that I can go to work and succeed.” Charlie is working as an apprentice welder at Cambarloc Engineering and Manufacturing in Lebanon under the Registered Youth Apprenticeship program. He said the program is an opportunity for him to show what he has learned at Lebanon Career and Technology Center.

The work is challenging. Charlie said that he had to learn measurements down to thousandths of an inch and how different materials can be fabricated. He said the challenges are worth it. He has met some great co-workers and friends, and he is building his confidence as a welder.

“The Registered Youth Apprenticeship program gives me work experience,” Charlie said. “It gives me skills for later on in life.”

Ryan

Ryan got involved in the Registered Youth Apprenticeship program because his teacher encouraged him to apply. Ryan is a student at the Lebanon Career and Technology Center who works as an apprentice machinist at Cambarloc Engineering and Manufacturing in Lebanon. Cambarloc makes specialized automated machines for industry and refurbishes car-hauling trailers.

“I like hands-on work better than paperwork or computer work,” Ryan said. “The biggest benefit to this program is getting a lot more experience on the job. I’m learning to use lots of different machines.”

Ryan says the pay is good in the Registered Youth Apprenticeship program – higher than minimum wage – and he encourages other students to get involved. He hopes to use his participation in the program to attend State Technical College of Missouri in Linn.