Building Futures Through Craftsmanship and Character

Explore how Craftsman with Character® brings students, businesses, and communities together to create pathways to skilled trades, build character, and strengthen the workforce.

Person operating a vintage industrial machine in a workshop

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

In 2013, Dave Hataj, owner of Edgerton Gear, invited high school students into his shop for a hands-on experience in the trades. From that first semester, the vision for Craftsman with Character® was born—a program that combines trade skills with character education to prepare students for success in work and life. The result? A dedicated, young workforce with zero turnover and full staffing at Edgerton Gear.

How the Craftsman with Character® Program Works

  • A group of people standing together indoors. Several individuals in the group are holding certificates. The background features a brick wall and a metal sliding door. The setting appears to be casual and informal. There are shelves with items on the left side of the image.

    Semester-Long Course

    CWC is a structured, semester-long course that immerses high school students in skilled trades, with 90 minutes of hands-on learning each day. The program is designed to build career skills and character through real-world experiences.

  • People wearing helmets inside a workshop welding a large machine bucket, with a welding gas tank and hoses nearby.

    Job Shadowing with Mentors

    Students rotate through job shadowing experiences with mentors at local businesses, gaining insights into various trades and professions. This interaction builds practical skills and fosters professional relationships.

  • A man giving a presentation to a group of people seated at desks in a room with large screens displaying "The Morse Group Turnkey Solutions Provider." Computers and keyboards are on the desks.

    Character Education

    Once a week, students attend character education sessions led by facilitators (volunteers from the local businesses). These classes align with the values of participating businesses, teaching qualities like respect, responsibility, and discipline essential for workplace success.

  • Group of young people wearing safety goggles and standing in front of a Fairbanks Morse Defense sign outdoors.

    Collaborative School-Business Model

    CWC provides schools and businesses with a structured curriculum and framework to partner effectively. This collaborative approach brings communities together to build a future-ready workforce.

  • A group of eight people posing indoors, with some holding certificates. A sign reading 'STOUGHTON' is visible on the wall behind them. Two people are kneeling in front, while the others stand, smiling.

    Business Involvement & Support

    Participating businesses play a key role, offering mentors, rotating job shadow opportunities, and helping with transportation costs. This commitment creates a supportive environment for students to learn and grow.

  • Construction excavator dumping dirt from its bucket at a construction site

    Pathways to Career Readiness

    CWC equips students with the skills, confidence, and values needed for successful careers in skilled trades, fostering economic growth and workforce sustainability within the community.

Discover the Impact of Craftsman with Character® – Learn More Today!