Over 100 Mid-State Apprentices Receive Tools of the Trade Scholarship

Friday, April 17th, 2026 -- 11:00 AM

Mid-State Technical College is proud to announce 109 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 provide a direct pathway to family-sustaining careers in high-demand fields.

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.

Mid-State Technical College offers a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities across in-demand trades, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, machining, maintenance and millwright programs. Through strong partnerships with local employers, apprentices gain hands-on experience while building the technical knowledge needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Financial pressure can make it difficult for apprentices to complete their training, especially while balancing work, education and family responsibilities. The Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program helps reduce those barriers so apprentices can stay focused on completing their programs and advancing their careers.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive the Tools of the Trade scholarship,” said Dylan Hoff, Construction Electrician (ABC) apprenticeship student at Mid-State Technical College. “It reduces financial pressure and allows me to concentrate on learning my trade and working toward a successful future.”

Carter Grove, another Construction Electrician (ABC) apprentice, pointed to the immediate impact of the award. “The $2,000 I received covers my tuition for the school year,” he said. Over the last 13 years, Ascendium has provided more than $8.8 million in scholarships through its Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program.

Apprentices are eligible to apply if they are enrolled at a Wisconsin Technical College System college, receive credit for both fall and spring semesters, are enrolled in an eligible construction or industrial trade and demonstrate financial need.

“We’re fortunate to continue our partnership with Ascendium, whose support has allowed a large number of our past and current apprentices to better serve our district partners,” said Mid-State Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator Cole Schmidt.

“Seeing our apprentices receive these scholarship funds is truly impactful, this support helps ease financial barriers and allows them to stay focused on developing their skills and advancing their careers. It’s an investment not only in their success, but in the strength of the workforce and communities we serve.”

Mid-State’s apprenticeship programs include Arborist, Carpenter, Construction Electrician (ABC), Construction Electrician (IBEW-NECA), Electrical & Instrumentation Technician, Ironworker, Machinist, Maintenance Technician, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic, Plumber, and Steamfitter and Steamfitter Service.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.