Industrial Arts and Apprenticeship Award Winner

Former Career Trek Instructor and future guitar maker, Erik Strom, is the recipient of this year’s Industrial Arts and Apprenticeship Award, one of Career Trek’s various scholarships.

When asked how important getting help paying for school is Erik had this to say, “It’s very important and every bit helps.”

“One of my biggest struggles going back to school last year was that I had to stop working full time,” says Erik. “I basically lived on my visa and I am still paying that off.”

Erik has been involved with Career Trek since 2001, when he was an Instructor for Children Rising.

“I get a lot out of hearing that the students that I had worked with…graduated high school…it kind of makes me feel a little bit useful I guess,” says Erik.

Erik says that he sees the Cabinetry program he is enrolled in at Red River College as a stepping stone to his ultimate goal of opening his own shop and becoming a Luthier, or guitar maker.

“I feel really good about winning the award and will use the money to pay for materials for whatever we end up building,” says Erik.

Career Trek is proud to support the career aspirations of its part-time staff.