A new blueprint for success

For many, San Diego State University is a hub of learning, collaboration, and discovery; a place where classrooms, labs and libraries serve as gateways to the future. And for a select group of apprentices, SDSU is also a living, breathing workshop, where the hum of machinery and the torque of tools replace the buzz of classrooms. For them, the university is a place to shape, bolt by bolt.

“Before SDSU, I worked a lot of hours and was searching for something better when I saw this position and took a risk,” says Brenden Schroeder, an apprentice locksmith.

These apprentices support the university’s very foundations. Whether maintaining complex electrical systems that keep the lights on or repairing intricate locks to safeguard the campus, they are gaining hands-on experience that helps sustain a community of nearly 40,000 students, all while giving back to the institution investing in their futures.

Their work reflects a growing shift in the way younger generations view education and career paths, blending hands-on skills with practical contributions to the community.

“My favorite part of the program?” mused Brenden. “Definitely seeing the good side of life. The stability for what you get in the private sector is not comparable. Out there, I never made much money. Here, I have benefits and a pension.”

The "Toolbelt Generation”

For students, recent graduates, and young professionals, the once-assured path to a secure future can feel increasingly uncertain. As most universities continue to emphasize traditional academic pathways, Gen Z is increasingly drawn to careers in the skilled trades—a sector that can offer both stability and opportunity. 

The "Toolbelt Generation," as they've been dubbed, is choosing the trades over the typical college path. Fueling this trend is the rise of trades work on social media, which often highlights the rewards and respect associated with it, making it an attractive alternative to traditional four-year degrees.

Data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows the number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges increased 17.6% from 2023 to 2024. 

Recognizing this shift, SDSU is stepping into uncharted territory by cultivating the next generation of trades professionals right on its campus.

This unique opportunity comes through the newly piloted SDSU Apprenticeship Program, a trailblazing initiative that stems from the California State University Joint Apprenticeship Program. It’s a system that offers a rare blend of mentorship, employment, and technical training, having successfully certified around 60 apprentices over the past 20 years. 

Helping to build careers 

Thanks to the generosity of Greg and Elisabeth Fowler, who are funding the four-year pilot program, and matched contributions from the university, this effort is already making an impact on campus since its launch in fall 2023. The pilot currently supports three apprentices: a building service engineer, an electrician, and a locksmith, each receiving hands-on training in their respective fields. These apprentices work full-time alongside seasoned professionals.

“I enjoy the camaraderie in the shop,” says Jose Hernandez, an apprentice electrician. “If I have any questions at all, it doesn’t matter if it’s related to a specific job, I can always ask somebody in there and 99% of the time they’ll answer.”

While vocational training offers several advantages over a four-year degree, including faster entry into the workforce, lower student debt and specialized skills, there are challenges to pursuing a career in the trades. 

In the private sector, trades professionals can face inconsistent work, long downtimes between projects that lead to financial instability, and a lack of benefits for independent contractors or those working for small businesses. Additionally, the physical demands of the job can result in fatigue, injuries, and long-term health issues.

However, many of the common challenges that trades professionals often face in the private sector are absent at SDSU.

“This program is different, it’s transformative,” said Steve Revelas, associate director of operations. “We’re not just helping apprentices build careers; we’re creating a partnership where they contribute to the university as it supports their growth.”

Hernandez enjoys the non-traditional projects that working at SDSU affords. He fondly recalls a project where he helped convert a racquetball court into a golf simulator: “That was pretty fun, seeing all the nuts and bolts and all the projects that came together. We had people installing the turf and the cage, and we were bending conduit. It was two to three weeks where I learned a whole lot.”

For apprentice Sean Dunaway, the wide range of systems on campus provides invaluable learning opportunities. “They’ll mention stuff in school and say, ‘Here’s how this works, but you’ll never touch this out in the field,’” says Dunaway, an apprentice building service engineer. “But they have it here on campus, so it’s been a great place to learn because you get to see everything from the old systems all the way to the new and how technology shifts over time.”

Classroom instruction + On the job training

The apprentices log 7,200 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction annually in four-year trades programs, or fewer hours for shorter programs, like locksmithing. They enter the program earning 65% of the base journeyman salary, with incremental raises every six months as they meet their training goals. 

By the end of the program, apprentices will earn 95% of a journeyman’s salary, along with comprehensive benefits such as health insurance and pension plans.

“This model honors the university's commitment to changing people's lives and creating trades personnel with the skills to generate success throughout their careers,” says Daryn Ockey, executive director of Facilities Services.

After finishing their programs, all three apprentices said they were interested in continuing to work at SDSU.

“Before joining, my baby daughter was just born and it was hard. I didn’t know what I was going to do in the future,” said Hernandez. “Construction is a heavy job sometimes, and there’s no work depending on the season. The consistent job here gave me peace of mind, and now I’m expecting another baby next month.”

This program is proving to be a game-changer for apprentices like Jose, Brenden, and Sean. It offers more than just a new pathway in a higher education environment, it offers them the stability, professional community, and skills to thrive in an ever-evolving field. As the SDSU Apprenticeship Program expands, it is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of skilled trades, empowering the next generation of Aztecs, one apprentice at a time.