Last week, 74 local high school students and youth apprentices graduated from the GPS Education Partners program, the largest graduating class of manufacturing apprentices in Wisconsin.
Butler-based GPS pairs schools and manufacturing businesses to teach non-traditional high school learners in interactive manufacturing environments. Manufacturers construct education centers for the program at their facilities.
A graduation ceremony for the students was held at Carroll University. They earned a high school diploma and apprenticeship and MSSC certifications, while getting two years of work experience.
“Navigating our bright and talented students and apprentices to this crowning moment of graduation is the highlight of the year,” says Stephanie Borowski, president of GPS Education Partners. “The truly exciting part is that graduation with GPS is not an endpoint, it’s a beginning as they go on to continued education and meaningful careers.”
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch delivered the keynote address.
“Our administration strongly supports innovative programs that open new opportunities for young people to pursue challenging and rewarding careers while they complete their education,” Kleefisch said. “We wish this talented group of individuals the very best and are proud of them for the success they have achieved in this model program, which is a model for the rest of the state.”
