Manitowoc board spotlights student art and youth apprenticeships as district workforce pipeline

The Manitowoc Public School District on Wednesday recognized Youth Art Month and spotlighted the district’s youth apprenticeship program, with students and teachers describing hands‑on training that they say connects classroom learning to local jobs.

Art teachers brought student pieces that the district purchased for display in the boardroom for a year before a permanent placement. Sandy Lieberge, an art teacher at Lincoln High School, thanked the board for continuing the tradition and said the program lets the district showcase student talent across grade levels.

The board then heard a youth apprenticeship presentation. District staff said this year’s program included about 190 students — the largest participation the district has recorded — of which 26 are employed by the district. Staff reported roughly 83 local employers hosting apprentices, about 138,000 hours worked across the program and approximately $2,100,000 earned by students this year.

Four student apprentices described their experiences. Jonathan Gordon, who works at Manitowoc Heating, said hands‑on trade experience taught him responsibility and work ethic and that he plans to stay with his employer after graduation. Mary Mahovsky, a senior youth apprentice in nursing assistant work, said the program helped her pursue CNA certification and clarified her career path. Bridal Shriver, an elementary‑level apprentice, described forming strong bonds with students and deciding to pursue elementary education after graduation. Cooper Meadows described a maintenance apprenticeship and plans to continue in a registered apprenticeship pathway.

Board members praised the partnerships with local businesses and noted the program’s role in workforce development for health care, education and manufacturing. The superintendent framed the apprenticeship program as a district priority that helps students earn wages while gaining career skills.

The board did not take formal action on the apprenticeship presentation; staff and students were thanked and photographed for the district’s recognition.