Hamilton High School is proud to share the success of three students who recently participated in a highly impactful Youth Apprenticeship Interview Day on April 15. The event was held at the Plumbing Mechanical Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance office and the Milwaukee Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee in Wauwatosa and offered students a valuable opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals across Southeast Wisconsin.
Designed in a “speed dating” interview format, the event allowed each student to complete five timed, seven-minute interviews with different contractors. This structure gave students hands-on experience practicing professional communication skills while building meaningful connections with potential employers. Students were also encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes to distribute to additional companies, further expanding their networking opportunities.
“This experience was incredibly valuable for our students,” explains Hamilton High School Business Education Teacher and Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Sheila Frafjord. “It not only helped them build confidence and strengthen their interview skills, but also allowed them to establish early connections within industries they are passionate about.”
Participating contractors represented a wide range of skilled trades, including Bredan Mechanical, Butters Fetting Inc., Dairyland Energy, Grunau Company, IKM Building Solutions, J.F. Ahern Co., J.M. Brennan, Karlsen Plumbing, Lee Mechanical, Major Mechanical, Mared Mechanical, Mattox Plumbing, Oak Creek Plumbing, and Total Mechanical & AGI Fabricators.
In addition, representatives from union training programs, including Local 75 (Plumbing), Local 601 (Steam Fitters), Local 18 (Sheet Metal), and Local 494 (Electrical), were available to answer questions and provide insight into apprenticeship pathways.
Hamilton High School looks forward to expanding student participation in future Youth Apprenticeship Interview Days, as this event proved to be an outstanding opportunity for career exploration and professional growth.