CG Schmidt Offers First-Ever Youth Apprenticeship Student Letter Signing

RACINE, WI, January 21, 2022 – On January 21, 2022, CG Schmidt, Racine Unified School District (RUSD), Building2Learn, the Carpenter’s Union and additional supporters gathered at the Belle City Square project site to celebrate Jamarion Cooks, a Senior at Horlick High School, as he signed a letter of intent to join CG Schmidt as a youth apprentice in carpentry. This is CG Schmidt’s first-ever youth apprenticeship appointment.

The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship integrates school-based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills defined by Wisconsin industries. CG Schmidt promotes this program by providing opportunities for students to experience hands-on skilled trade work prior to graduating from high school.

“Our company continues to change the physical landscape of Racine and the surrounding area, and more importantly, we continue to create opportunities for cultural, educational, workforce and economic development for the businesses and communities we serve,” said Mike Abuls, Chief Operating Officer at CG Schmidt. “We are committed to supporting our educators in introducing our youth to construction and trade work, and we have the capacity to create jobs for students like Jamarion and provide valuable job training to build their careers,” Mike continued.

Jamarion, anticipated to graduate in June 2022, was selected from a group of seven youth apprentice finalists after interviewing for CG Schmidt’s skilled trades apprenticeship. His academic achievements, interest and knowledge in carpentry and innate ability to step in and help classmates, made him an outstanding candidate. Jamarion will begin his apprenticeship working on the Belle City Square project, formerly known as the Horlick Malted Milk Factory, a historically significant project located in his hometown of Racine.

“The economic growth in Racine is driving an increased need for skilled tradespeople and many of these jobs will meet the Racine Works Program employment requirements. Youth apprenticeship programs are a good way to connect with our youth and demonstrate the opportunities available to them by seeking a career in construction. We are committed to making Jamarion’s career development a success, and we are proud to welcome him to the team,” said Steve Flores, Field Personnel Coordinator at CG Schmidt.

Through initiatives like Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program, CG Schmidt plans to expand its Youth Apprenticeship program across several participating schools in Fall 2022 and beyond, offering students the opportunity for career exploration.