NOW ACCEPTING PARTNERS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

At Craftsman with Character, our mission is clear: we address the aging manufacturing and skilled trades workforce while providing diverse high school students with exposure to promising career opportunities. If you are a school or business interested in learning more, sign up for a Program Overview presentation, held every other Thursday.

We are committed to building an industrial workforce of young individuals who work with purpose and character. Supported by the U.S. Navy's Submarine Industrial Base, CWC offers a unique pre-apprenticeship program that focuses on character development and career guidance through mentoring relationships in industrial facilities.

empowering the youth

High school students often feel lost about post-graduation options. Shockingly, 14% of 18-year-olds don't graduate high school, only 63% of high school graduates enroll in college, and 40% of those drop out. CWC seeks to change that by promoting skilled trades careers, often overlooked. Our hands-on program imparts confidence, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and resilience.

a win-win for businesses

Craftsman with Character isn't just for the youth; it's a vital resource for businesses. Born from the urgent need to address the aging workforce and skilled labor shortage, our program offers businesses the opportunity to shape dedicated employees through mentorship. By emphasizing meaningful employment and fostering supportive work environments, businesses not only cultivate a sustainable workforce but also contribute to community growth and betterment.

supporting a critical national endeavor

The U.S. Navy is on a transformative mission to enhance its nuclear-powered submarine fleet, a cornerstone of our national defense and undersea advantage. At the heart of this mission lies the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) – a network of suppliers, manufacturers, and skilled tradespeople vital for submarine construction and advancement. To complete its mission, the SIB needs over 100,000 additional skilled workers and the collaboration of thousands of suppliers across the United States. The SIB sponsors CWC as a strategic partner in growing the workforce necessary to add submarines to the fleet thus bolstering our nations’ defense capabilities.

“EVERY PERSON ON THE PLANET HAS TWO NEEDS: A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND A SENSE OF RELATIONSHIP.”

— Dave Hataj, Founder

Watch the class in action in Beloit, WIsconsin