July 8, 2025

🔥From Arc to Achievement: Trinity Products Certifies 16-Year-Old Female Apprentice Welder in Just 30 Days🔥

by Cynthia Walker - Apprenticeship Expert and Career WayZ President

Some stories just stick with you, and this is one of them.

Emerson Luetkenhaus, a bright and determined 16-year-old student at St. Charles High School, located near St. Louis, Missouri, recently became a certified welder—and she did it in under 30 days.

Yes, you read that right. Emerson had never held a welding torch before walking into Trinity Products as part of the Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator launched across St. Charles County less than a year ago. Today, she can officially call herself a welder, and her story is a powerful example of how mentorship, innovation, and opportunity can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

Emerson was officially registered with the US Department of Labor and Trinity Products on June 5th of 2025. Cynthia Walker of Career WayZ stands with her on the night of her celebratory signing ceremony hosted by Ft. Zumwalt School District.

The Career WayZ team collaborated with every public school district in the county and eight forward-thinking manufacturers to develop and launch the Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator. The goal? Close the skills gap and give students hands-on access to high-wage, high-demand careers while still in high school.

Trinity Products didn’t just join the initiative—they elevated it. Their innovative, mentor-led, accelerated welding training model took Emerson from zero experience to certified welder in under a month. That kind of rapid upskilling is a powerful testament to what is possible with intentional program design and a company-wide commitment.

Bryan Davis, President and CEO of Trinity Products, shared this update on the morning of July 4th:

“Emerson passed her weld test in less than 30 days in the shop! She went from never striking an arc to being a certified welder. She still has things to learn for sure, but she can officially call herself a welder!”

Bryan has always emphasized that success boils down to two things:

“Coachability and grit. That is all you need. You can be successful regardless of the widget.”

Emerson showed up with both, and Trinity provided the tools and mentorship to help her thrive.

The Mentor Who Made It Click: Brittany Bevell

Brittany, Emerson’s mentor at Trinity Products looks on as she works on a welding job.

There’s another critical piece to Emerson’s success: her mentor, Brittany Bevell.

Through the Strong Start Mentoring Training led by Career WayZ, Emerson was paired with Brittany—a skilled welder and respected leader at Trinity. That connection became the foundation of her success.

Emerson said it best:

“Brittany taught me everything I know, literally. I went in on my first day not even knowing how to hold a welder, and now I’m a certified welder. If it weren’t for Brittany, I would still probably be completely lost. I’m truly thankful for her. She’s made coming into this position a lot less intimidating and has always pushed me to be the best I could be.”

That is mentorship in action. Brittany didn’t just pass along technical knowledge—she built trust, encouraged growth, and helped Emerson build confidence in a completely unfamiliar environment.

Bryan Davis was quick to acknowledge that Brittany’s leadership was a key factor:

“You don’t get results like that without someone like Brittany. She knows how to connect, teach, and inspire. And the results speak for themselves.”

A Cheerleader Who Welds with Confidence

Alongside her technical achievements, Emerson is also a cheerleader at St. Charles High, bringing energy, leadership, and positivity everywhere she goes. Whether on the sidelines or the shop floor, she shows up ready to grow and give it her all. In her free time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, and riding four-wheelers—a true example of determination and grit both inside and outside the classroom.

A Family and Community Rooting for Her

Emerson’s parents, Whitey and Tammy, shared their excitement and pride after hearing the news:

“Emerson was so very excited this morning when Mr. Davis texted her to let her know she passed. (Just wow!). Emerson loves working at Trinity Products and the people. We are so impressed with that company and their leadership; they are truly invested in their people. She makes us proud every day!"

We couldn’t agree more!

A Systemwide Impact Shout-Out to Career WayZ Apprenticeship Coordinators, Andy McHaffie and Steve Smith

We also want to recognize Steve Smith, Lewis and Clark Assistant Director and Apprenticeship Coordinator for St. Charles School District and Mentor and Apprenticeship Coordinator, Andy McHaffie of Ft. Zumwalt School District. Andy and Steve have been instrumental in launching this program at the district level—and all doing it while enrolled in the Career WayZ U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program for Apprenticeship Coordinators. Their accelerated performance and student-first focus have resulted in record-time identification and registration of apprentices like Emerson. Their commitment is making a lasting impact.

This is What Innovation Looks Like

Emerson’s journey, Brittany’s mentorship, Trinity’s forward-thinking model, and the collaborative work between schools and industry partners show us what’s possible when we invest in young people with intention and purpose.

This is more than just a welding success story—it’s a vision for the future of workforce development.

Congratulations, Emerson. The sparks you’re flying now are just the beginning.

📸: Emerson and a Career WayZ team member on signing day—beaming with excitement and hope for the future

⚡: Certified welder, student, cheerleader—future leader

🎉: This is how we celebrate workforce innovation: with grit, skill, and heart.

Follow Career WayZ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-wayz-missouri/

Follow Cynthia Walker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-walker-46b8087a/

From Arc to Achievement: Trinity Products Certifies 16-Year-Old Female Apprentice Welder in Just 30 Days