He Opened the Door and I Walked Through It: Luke Chae Kaderabek’s Millwright Journey
by Vicki Heisser |
Luke Kaderabek first heard about the millwright program from his buddy, Kedrick Wallis,
while they were lifeguards at the pool. They were talking about life and careers when
Kedrick told him about it. A week later, Luke was signed up and starting classes.
What drew Luke in was the work and skill set he would gain. He also points to instructor Spencer Heston as a major influence. “He told me a little about his past in the oil field, and I honestly thought he had to be in his 60s,” Luke said. “Funny enough, he’s only 11 years older than me. I thought—how am I this lucky to be taught by someone like that? It gave me hope for my future.”
After graduating, Luke started applying everywhere. It was winter, and work was hard to find, so he waited it out. In April, he walked into the CCI shop, spoke with Wayne, and a week and a half later, he had a job. “It was timing, being a graduate of the program, and Spencer’s connection that helped open that door,” Luke said.
During his Hilcorp internship, Luke remains humble about how it came together. “From what I was told, the recruiters said I’d be a good fit and that I made a strong impression,” he said. “I didn’t do anything special—I was just myself and honest. Maybe that’s what they were looking for.”
Luke emphasizes staying persistent and connected. “You have to stay hungry and keep yourself in front of the opportunities you want,” he said. He stayed in contact with Joe and Casey at Hilcorp, knowing that was where he wanted to be, even if he didn’t know exactly how it would happen.
The winter wasn’t easy. Applications were denied, and resume filters often stood in the way. “What kept me going was necessity. I chose this path,” Luke said. “We only get one life, and I didn’t want to spend it doing something I wasn’t happy with.”
For Luke, the people mattered just as much as the work. “From talking with Joe, Casey, and the Hilcorp guys, you can tell they’re genuinely happy people. I wanted to be part of that culture,” he said.
He also reflects on working in places where he once learned. “It feels strange, but learning never stops in this field,” Luke said. “I’m incredibly grateful to be here, but none of it happens alone—Spencer, Riley, Alex, Kedrick, and my family all played a part.”
Looking ahead, Luke says it’s still about growth. “It’s the people who make the job what it is,” he said. “Even hard days are better when you’ve got the right crew beside you.”
Spencer, he adds, was a turning point. “He brought Hilcorp into our classroom. He opened the door. I just had to walk through it.”
For anyone entering the field, Luke keeps it simple: “They’re not looking for actors. Be real. Be positive. Stay consistent. Keep applying. Keep going.”
What drew Luke in was the work and skill set he would gain. He also points to instructor Spencer Heston as a major influence. “He told me a little about his past in the oil field, and I honestly thought he had to be in his 60s,” Luke said. “Funny enough, he’s only 11 years older than me. I thought—how am I this lucky to be taught by someone like that? It gave me hope for my future.”
After graduating, Luke started applying everywhere. It was winter, and work was hard to find, so he waited it out. In April, he walked into the CCI shop, spoke with Wayne, and a week and a half later, he had a job. “It was timing, being a graduate of the program, and Spencer’s connection that helped open that door,” Luke said.
During his Hilcorp internship, Luke remains humble about how it came together. “From what I was told, the recruiters said I’d be a good fit and that I made a strong impression,” he said. “I didn’t do anything special—I was just myself and honest. Maybe that’s what they were looking for.”
Luke emphasizes staying persistent and connected. “You have to stay hungry and keep yourself in front of the opportunities you want,” he said. He stayed in contact with Joe and Casey at Hilcorp, knowing that was where he wanted to be, even if he didn’t know exactly how it would happen.
The winter wasn’t easy. Applications were denied, and resume filters often stood in the way. “What kept me going was necessity. I chose this path,” Luke said. “We only get one life, and I didn’t want to spend it doing something I wasn’t happy with.”
For Luke, the people mattered just as much as the work. “From talking with Joe, Casey, and the Hilcorp guys, you can tell they’re genuinely happy people. I wanted to be part of that culture,” he said.
He also reflects on working in places where he once learned. “It feels strange, but learning never stops in this field,” Luke said. “I’m incredibly grateful to be here, but none of it happens alone—Spencer, Riley, Alex, Kedrick, and my family all played a part.”
Looking ahead, Luke says it’s still about growth. “It’s the people who make the job what it is,” he said. “Even hard days are better when you’ve got the right crew beside you.”
Spencer, he adds, was a turning point. “He brought Hilcorp into our classroom. He opened the door. I just had to walk through it.”
For anyone entering the field, Luke keeps it simple: “They’re not looking for actors. Be real. Be positive. Stay consistent. Keep applying. Keep going.”