GISH Registered Apprenticeship Program Marks 10th Year with Nine New Signees
GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — “If you were to tell me back in freshman year that I was going to have a welding apprenticeship right now, I would have told you, ‘you're insane!’ I was not thinking anything of that. But now that I'm here, I'm honestly grateful, and glad that I took the opportunity.”
Wilson Pablo’s optimism is contagious.
A Junior at Grand Island Senior High (GISH), Wilson is a busy student as he competed for Islanders Track & Field, is a member of National Honor Society, and is exploring both automotive and welding in his Pathway. Looking for an opportunity to jumpstart a career while finishing school may feel rare in one sense, but it’s business as usual for GISH and the next step for Pablo’s student experience.
Wilson is headed to Chief Fabrication for a gig as a Welder. There, he will have the opportunity to grow in hands-on jobsite skills, earn a paycheck, and continue learning through his Academy. All of it was made possible with the Nebraska Registered Apprenticeships Program.
“I am excited about it!” Wilson continued, “I was really stoked when I found out that they picked me out of the bunch of people… Being able to work like this at a young age, and getting that work experience gives me that level that not many in the state could probably get.”
Juniors in the GISH Academy of Technical Sciences signed-on for Registered Apprenticeships at local businesses marking the tenth year of the CTE-based program. Celebrating the annual program, participating community partners and GISH Juniors were honored at the Apprenticeships Signing Day event at the GISH Career Pathways Institute Wednesday.
The 2026 lineup of nine GISH Registered Apprenticeship signees will gain on-site, work-based experience as welders, automotive techs, and manufacturing techs. Nearly a decade deep into the program, Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, recognizes the unique career-learning opportunities apprenticeships bring to student builders.
“There is no substitute for real life, hands-on learning. This is especially true in the trades industry.” Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, shared. “These students who get the opportunity to serve an apprenticeship with one of our business partners have an amazing chance to grow and learn. Using this chance to build on the skills they have acquired in the classroom and labs, these young people are truly setting themselves up for lifelong success.”
Nebraska Registered Apprenticeships (per the Nebraska Department of Labor) combines supervised on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction in subjects related to the apprentice’s chosen occupation. Apprentices have the opportunity to earn a living while gaining skills, and pay raises are awarded throughout the program as skills increase. Apprenticeships have been proven to be a very successful strategy for preparing skilled workers to help America compete effectively in the global economy.
Launched in 2017, Grand Island Senior High became the first high school in the state of Nebraska to offer paid apprenticeships for students in CTE programs. Nine years since launching, 83 Grand Island Senior High students have participated in the Registered Apprenticeship opportunity with Grand Island.
The annual signing ceremony at the Career Pathways Institute welcomed the nine newly signed-on student apprentices alongside their families. Representatives from each apprentice hosting business were onsite as well to welcome the students as one of their own team members. Also taking in the festivities were local community leaders, business partners, and GIPS administrators.
For Mr. D.W. Holley, GISH Academy of Technical Sciences Principal, the annual signing day is a source of great pride.
“I am very proud of our program and how the community of industry parents has supported the apprenticeship program.” Mr. Holley said. “Currently in Nebraska, there are 17 schools active in registered apprenticeships. There are 10 high schools, 5 community colleges, and 2 universities. Throughout the state, there are 175 business partners with 171 students in active apprenticeships. 29 of those students are high school students. 24 of those 29 high school students are from Grand Island Senior High. Our apprentices have a rich tradition of contributing to the ever growing industrial and economic landscape of Grand island. Today, we continue that tradition by honoring these nine students and their industry partners.”
With a focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE) this program is just one way GISH Academies bring hands-on, work-based learning experiences to students. A true reflection of community partnerships, the Registered Apprenticeship program would not be possible without the support and investment from local partners and industry leaders. GISH is proud to have pioneered the Registered Apprenticeship opportunity for high school students in Nebraska and looks forward to being an educational leader in growing this successful program over the next decade.
And for the student apprentices — the chance to dive into a career opportunity while still in school is a game-changer. For Wilson, welding at Chief Fabrication feels like a key that will open doors.
“I think the experience that I’ll gain from Chief Fab will help me not just find a job, but also succeed and help me burst out into the field with just great recommendations, great job experience.” Wilson reflected. “I think that this is just a gateway to going further. My end goal is to become a C-W-I (certified welding inspector). And from there, just move up even more.”
Congratulations to the GISH Academy of Technical Sciences 2026 Registered Apprenticeship Signees:
Chief Fabrication:
Cesar Martinez Pena - Industrial Manufacturing
Wilson Pablo - Welding
Kellan Larsen - Welding
Anderson Ford:
Kolby Douglas - Automotive Tech
Jonathan Gerber - Automotive Tech
Jason Bushhousen - Automotive Tech
Overhead Door:
Jorge Garcia - Manufacturing
Marcos Morente Luis - Manufacturing
Piper Jeffers - Manufacturing