As one of the area leaders in youth apprenticeship programs, Curt G. Joa, Inc. continually looks to provide youth apprenticeship opportunities to local high school students, before transitioning them into an adult apprenticeship with the company.

For Plymouth High School Senior John Boeckmann, the program at Joa has opened up many opportunities. Working as a machinist, John has been introduced to the skills necessary to pursue employment in the field.

“I run manual lathes, manual mills, CNC lathes and CNC mills,” John said. “I use these machines to cut away excess metal to produce a useful part.”

John said one of the most important parts of his youth apprenticeship is learning from his mistakes, and discovering new ways to minimize them. He admits he never thought he was capable of running a CNC machine, but after hard work and dedication, he now gets to do something he loves every day.

John’s youth apprenticeship also took him to Madison, where he represented Plymouth High School and Sheboygan County at Youth Apprenticeship Day on February 11. At the capitol, John was able to talk with legistlators and the Department of Workforce Development about the value of youth apprenticeships.

“The youth apprenticeship has been an amazing opportunity for me,” John said. “It has opened many doors for my future.”

After graduation, John will continue to contribute to Curt G. Joa, Inc., as he has been offered a full-time machinist position in an adult apprenticeship. John’s excited about the opportunity, and looks forward to seeing his work go into the world.

“It’s really cool to see something that I made become a useful part in something bigger,” he said. “I feel like I am contributing to the Curt Joa team.”