We’re celebrating another season of successful apprenticeship graduates. These individuals come from various career paths, but this program has set up each graduate for their own success. Keep reading to hear the story of just one of these individuals.
Apprenticeship First-Hand
Meet Jacob Reeck. A graduate of our January 2021 apprenticeship class. After deciding mechanical engineering wasn’t a fit for him, he followed the recommendation of a high school classmate who was in an electrical program. Ready to shift his career path, he started the electrical program at Iowa Central, where he later was introduced to Interstates. After an internship with us, he stepped out and into our apprenticeship program in Sioux Center, IA.
His internship gave him a good idea of what it was like to work at Interstates—he worked with his friends and felt his team looked out for each other. Our team also kept track of his licensing, which was an extra perk to the program. He spent the next 3 years working hard in the program, and now he’s passed his Iowa journeyman test. As a new Journeyman Electrician, he’s located in our Fort Dodge, IA Regional Office. Reeck reflected on the program, “I work with great team members, and I’ve made many new friends along the way.”
From Class to Career
Apprenticeship is more than just classwork; it’s learning while earning. “My favorite part of the program is seeing myself continually improve on the job,” says Reeck. Each student has a mentor, called a Career Coach, to help them grow and build their career path. He added, “If you stick with it, you’ll see opportunities present themselves.” And he’s right! According to apprenticeship.gov, 94% of apprentices who complete a program retain employment after graduating. At Interstates, some team members have been here for the long haul. They started as apprentices and have worked their way up or over to achieve their career goals.
Our Recent Graduates
Each new graduating class is full of eager students who are prepared to take their journeyman test. In the last six months, we’ve graduated 19 apprentices from our in-house Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program. Take a look at the four graduating classes and where they are now.
January 25: Sioux Center, Iowa
Front Row (L-R)
Jeremy Ranschau-Iowa
Jake Ballowe-Iowa
Back Row (L-R)
Andrew Pratt-Tennessee
Daniel Goodwin-Iowa
Jacob Reeck-Iowa
Andrew Minson-Pennsylvania


February 1: Sioux Center, Iowa
Pictured (L-R)
Christion Garnica-Iowa
Shane Promes-Iowa
Kevin Grothaus-Iowa
Not Pictured
Aaron Brodersen-Iowa
February 8: Sioux Center, Iowa
Front Row (L-R)
Brody Auen-Iowa
Hser Moo Pwae-Florida
Hser Eh Pwae-Florida
Back Row (L-R)
Jeff Hart-Texas
Tanner Barrie-Iowa


April 26: Omaha, Nebraska
Front Row (L-R)
Celest Sneed-Nebraska
Logan Kennedy-Nebraska
Back Row (L-R)
Riley Wohlers-Nebraska
Carter Jennings-Nebraska
Jason Meyer-Nebraska
Congrats to all of our graduates! We wish you the best in your future careers.