Congratulations to Riley Carpentry Apprentice, Taylor Tekampe, who was recently featured in an article published by the Daily Reporter. The article outlines Taylor’s success in developing a career in the trades. Riley’s Apprenticeship program aims to prepare future builders and leaders with hands-on experience. For more information on our career opportunities, visit our Careers in the Trade page.
Daily Reporter: ’18-year-old shares success story after trading college for carpenter’s tools’
Author: Ethan Duran
Taylor Tekampe is only 18 years old but is earning good money compared to most peers her age. While other high school graduates are entering college and wading through student loans, she said she earns while she learns as a carpentry apprentice at Kenosha-based Riley Construction.
After graduating from Wilmot Union High School in Kenosha, Tekampe started classes at the Carpenters Training Institute in Pewaukee with hopes of developing a career in the trades. For her four-year apprenticeship with Riley, she talks to local high school students about the benefits of a construction career.
“I tell them if they have a really good work ethic, it’s a really good career to get into. You’ll have great benefits, great retirement and the full nine yards. There’s no (college) debt. What I say to everyone is, if you don’t know what you want to do, get into the trades. Once you start working, you’ll figure out what you want to do faster,” she added.
On the job, Tekampe said the most fascinating part of carpentry is the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day. She added that her superintendents at Riley also served as role models as well as teachers. Working outdoors is also a bonus.
Tekampe said her future aspirations were finishing her apprenticeship, working her way up the construction ladder and eventually getting into a managerial role. She said her immediate challenges were learning new things but was willing to step up to the challenge.
“It’s not that it’s challenging, but it’s hard as a new apprentice and remembering everything. It’s just the learning process,” she added.
To read the full Daily Reporter article, click here.