MILWAUKEE — Inside the workshop at Bradley Tech High School, students are usually hard at work on various projects.
The room is led by Addo Williams, a Tech graduate and carpenter of more than 30 years.
“One thing about the trades is no matter what’s going on in the economy, you’re always going to need trade guys,” Williams said.
Williams went from Tech High School and into the workforce. He knows first-hand that the four-year college route may not be for all of his students.
“As time and technology progressed, you see all of this innovation,” said Jonathan McCauley, a student.
McCauley wants to weld. His classmate, Javier Juarez, wants to be an electrician.
Thursday, the pair was a part of a group fo 30 people who toured the historic Eagle Knit building in Walker’s Point.
It was a tour with purpose...
“They’re going to see the nuts and bolts of how a project is put together, as well as putting up frames and electrical with us,” said Burton Metz, VP of Wanguard Partners.
The rehabilitation project is a part of a job-training program to get the students familiar with the construction trade.
Construction, alongside other trades like plumbing, welding and carpentry, are all industries that can offer solid salaries and are accessable without amassing a significant amount of student debt.
Williams hopes that more people considers trade in the years to come.
“We’re getting to the point where we’re about to retire. We need someone to hand that mantle over to,” Williams said.
