Apprentice of the Month - Ryan Olson

Hard work and dedication are not strangers to Local 340 apprentices. Even though we demand the best from our wards we always notice those that continue to strive for perfection and betterment throughout their time as an apprentice. That kind of mentality is what garnered Ryan Olson with this month’s Apprentice of the Month. His effort and continual drive make him a standout amongst his peers.

“It means so much to me,” says Ryan talking about his apprenticeship as he enters his fifth year. “It’s been a kind of gateway to endless possible career paths and has enabled me to find something I really enjoy doing.”

In addition to his work in the field, which is stellar, he has also been a force in the classroom, keeping a high grade point average throughout his time in the program.

“He is extremely well-liked in the field and is incredibly mechanically adept,” says Brendan Nelson, Ryan’s fourth year teacher. “He is super inquisitive and always jumps at the chance to help someone.”

Ryan is not one to rest on his laurels. When questioned about how he feels about his work, the furthest thing from his mind was “good enough.”

“I’m never the best at what I’m doing; I can always get better,” says Ryan humbly. “If everyone says it’s great, that’s never enough for my personal standards. I never stop trying to get better and that’s my mindset I keep every day going in.”

As far as advice to incoming and younger apprentices, Ryan has a bitter pill that holds a sizeable reality check: the early days are there for you to prove yourself and should be seen as a challenge to be met.

“Even though it kind of sucks you’re given all these menial tasks early on, you will eventually get to work on cool stuff,” says Ryan. “So long as you keep putting in the effort and show you care it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

For his hard work, Ryan will receive a PACKOUT bag and hand tools from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from the JATC and its staff.