Building Careers: 2024 Skilled Trades + Construction Management Grant Winners

In partnership with Fond du Lac Area Foundation, C.D. Smith offered two grants for students pursuing careers in construction: The Skilled Trades Construction Grant and the Construction Management Grant.

C.D. Smith Construction leaders pose for picture with Construction Grant recipients at Corporate Office in Fond du Lac Wisconsin and Connie poses with Mason on stage at ACE signing day

We received numerous applications from talented and ambitious students who aspire to make their mark in the construction industry. After careful consideration, we selected three graduating high school seniors for the Skilled Trades Construction Grant and three individuals pursuing technical or undergraduate degrees for the Construction Management Grant.

The three Skilled Trades Construction Grant recipients demonstrated exceptional potential, dedication and a genuine passion for pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Each winner was awarded $500.00 to use for eligible expenses such as hand tools, work boots, high-visibility clothing, safety gloves and toolbelts/tool storage.

Connie Coon recognizes ACE Academy Student Mason Forster for winning the 2024 CD Smith Skilled Trades Grant on stage at FDL High School in Wisconsin

Connie Coon recognized Mason Forster on stage at Fond du Lac High School for winning one of the 2024 C.D. Smith Skilled Trades Grants.

Mason Forster, a 2024 graduate of Fond du Lac High School and the Architecture, Construction & Engineering (ACE) Academy Program was presented with the Skilled Trades Construction Grant by Connie Coon, VP of HR at C.D. Smith, during ACE Academy’s third annual trade signing day celebration on May 9, 2024. Our other two Skilled Trades Grant recipients were 2024 graduates Jackson Golapske, from Horace Mann High School, and Lukas Halbach, from New Holstein High School.

Greg Sabel, SVP; Connie Coon, VP of HR; Grace Fowler, Senior HR Generalist; Dave Supple, Director of Field & Yard Operations; and Holly Brenner, SVP of Strategic Development and Marketing presented the Skilled Trades and Construction Management Grants to the winners who were able to come to our Corporate Office. Lukas visited our Corporate Office on May 28, 2024 to accept Skilled Trades Construction Grant recognition alongside recipients of the Construction Management Grant.

C.D. Smith Construction leaders pose for picture with Construction Grant recipients at Corporate Office in Fond du Lac Wisconsin

Pictured Above: Top Row (left to right) - Connie Coon, Holly Brenner, Greg Sabel | Middle Row - Austin Loehr, Lukas Halbach, Dave Supple | Bottom Row - John Kowalski, Callie Woelfel, Grace Fowler

The Construction Management Grant was awarded to three passionate and ambitious students who submitted exceptional applications. Austin Loehr is currently a Youth Apprentice at C.D. Smith and will be attending Fox Valley Technical College. Callie Woelfel attends Marian University and John Kowalski is a student at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). Austin, Callie and John visited our Corporate Office on May 28th to accept their recognition. Grant recipients attending a 4-year university received $2,000 and recipients attending a 2-year college received $1,000 to help pay for the upcoming academic year at their respective schools.

Congratulations to Mason, Jackson, Lukas, Austin, Callie and John for being selected as the recipients of the Skilled Trades or Construction Management Grants. Your commitment and enthusiasm for the construction industry are inspiring, and we look forward to seeing great success in your careers.

To all the applicants who applied for the grants, we sincerely appreciate your passion and dedication. Due to the exceptional talent we encountered, the competition was fierce, and the decision-making process was challenging. We encourage each and every one of you to continue pursuing your dreams in the construction industry, as your contributions will play a crucial role in shaping our communities.

Once again, we would like to express our gratitude to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation for their partnership. Together, we are investing in the future of the construction industry and empowering young individuals to build fulfilling careers.

If you're a student interested in pursuing a career in construction, look for future opportunities from C.D. Smith. We're committed to supporting the next generation of skilled trades and construction professionals, and we look forward to helping more aspiring individuals realize their dreams.

Congratulations to our grant winners, and may your journey in the construction industry be filled with growth, success, and endless possibilities!

Date: May 29, 2024 | Author: Connie Coon

«•»

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe