Hartford Finishing/Steel Craft Corp. Education Center

Joel O'Brien

Jim Karrels

Ann Widen
The Class of 2022 student speeches shares stories of gratitude for mentors, instructors, and others who have helped them along their journey. Click this icon “▶️” next to the students’ names to hear their stories.

Joe Allen ▶️
Triton Trailers
"My experience in GPSEd has given me the skills to be comfortable in difficult situations and the knowledge to be able to start to make a good life for myself."

Brayden Ambroziak ▶️
Engineered Metal Products
"GPSEd has allowed me to develop personal skills such being honest, non-judgmental, and a good listener."

Katelyn Budzinski ▶️
Steel-Craft Corp. of Hartford
"My experiences at Steel Craft have taught me that it is very important to enjoy the job that you're doing and develop friendships with your co-workers along the way."

Connor Dodd ▶️
Steel Craft Corp. of Hartford
"I don’t feel like I would have gotten this type of exposure to manufacturing if I had not made the decision to join the program."

Brandon Gappa ▶️
Triton Trailers
"The thing I'll remember the most was how kids from all different schools came together and formed a bond to make it through the program."

Sean Huettel ▶️
Rytec Corporation
"One big GPSEd memory that will stick with me is making the cardboard boat. This hands-on project taught me how to be a team player through both building and driving the boat."

Jacob Kannenberg ▶️
Broan-Nutone LLC
"The GPSEd program has taught me some of the most useful skills that I will use in my future."

Nicholas Kessler ▶️
Regal Ware
"It was a lot easier to adapt to this way of learning than I ever expected."

Brandon Kolbow ▶️
Tradesmen International
"We don’t move on with anything if we don’t put the time and effort into our work."

Ethan Minney ▶️
"The program made school and work tolerable, and in the end worthwhile for me."

Randy Moon ▶️
Weldall Manufacturing
"I have gained a massive amount of maturity and responsibility from this program."

Wyatt Prom ▶️
ClearShot Manufacturing
"I realize school is still important, but it's nice being able to work and go to school on the same day - getting credit for both."

Justin Wendt ▶️
Quest Engineering
"Over my almost two years in GPSEd at Quest Engineering, I have learned lot of valuable information about real life at a young age."

Chad Wetsten ▶️
Steel Craft Corp. of Hartford
"Through being a youth apprentice, I have been able to apply many of the academic skills that I learned while in the workplace."

Aidan Zander ▶️
Broan-Nutone LLC
"My instructors in this program have enhanced my school experience by helping me to avoid distractions both in the class and at work."