Middle College Leads Manufacturing Graduate to Success

Vince never thought he would be able to go to college. But during his junior year of high school, he heard about Middle College.
This is the bench Vince created in honor of his father.

Vince never thought he would be able to go to college. But during his junior year of high school, he heard about Middle College.

“I distinctly remember him saying that college wasn’t for him, that he had a learning disability and he really didn’t envision himself in post-secondary education,” explained Danielle, a training navigator at Madison College.

But with a little encouragement from his mom, his special education teacher and his guidance counselor, Vince decided to give Middle College a try. And in the spring of 2016, not only did he graduate as the most skilled welder in his class, but he also decided to go on to the Metal Fabrication program at the Madison College – Fort Atkinson campus.

Vince excelled in all of his classes and even participated in the Skills USA competition that took place in Wisconsin. His team brought home the gold in the College Welding Fabrication division and continued on to the national competition in Louisville, Kentucky!

While in the program, Vince’s father passed away unexpectedly. Vince leaned heavily on his support network during the time, but persevered with his education plans, despite his grief. And as a tribute, Vince created a bench for his father.

After graduating from the Metal Fabrication program, Vince was hired at Spartan Laser as a Shop Foreman. He works with other shop employees to interpret blueprints for contractors like NASA and GM.

Vince had many supporters during his journey, including his mom, Danielle, his Middle College teachers and his Metal Fabrication instructors. Congratulations, Vince, on pursuing and achieving your new career!

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