Luke Kaderabek: Choosing Growth Over a Paycheck

Luke Kaderabek, a first-semester millwright student at PWSC, is about building a future in the trades. Recently, he was offered a tempting job on Alaska’s North Slope—an opportunity many would jump at. But Luke made a bold decision: he turned it down. Instead, he chose to stay the course, finish his program, and earn his certification. Why? Because he knows long-term success starts with a solid foundation.

Just eight months ago, Luke moved from Arizona to Alaska. After feeling stuck in his job as a lifeguard and tired of the scorching heat, he took a leap of faith.

He shared, “I’m from Arizona, and moving was a crazy experience. A friend offered me a room to rent, a welcome change from the unbearable heat I faced as a lifeguard. Life felt stagnant after graduating from high school, so I called him to see if the room was still available. It was, and I packed my things, said goodbye to friends and family, and moved to Alaska. Everyone was surprised, but I haven’t looked back since.”
 
That friend, Kedrick Wallis, a PWSC millwright graduate, introduced him to the Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) program. Luke had no background in industrial trades, but he dove in anyway. Now, he’s gaining hands-on experience and confidence with the help of dedicated instructors like Spencer Heston and the camaraderie of his classmates.

Luke stated, “I am glad I chose this path and encourage anyone considering the millwright program at PWSC to take the leap. Staff members such as Bernie, our advising and student support specialist, are invaluable when getting started.” He appreciates the strong support he receives from both instructors and fellow students, noting that hands-on learning has been crucial for his growth in the trades.

The millwright program at PWSC provides valuable educational opportunities for those ready to enter the skilled trades workforce.