Read Stephen's Story

Stephen Rogers Jr. was completing his 11th grade year at Shroder High School, in the Cincinnati Public School district. He was an average student preparing for his senior year and graduation. He knew he didn’t want to go to college, but he was not sure what he wanted to do when he finished high school.  His life changed for the better when he discovered he could learn ironworking skills, while in school, through the Journeys Soaring Impact Pre-Apprenticeship Program.    

He was accepted into the program in 2018 and graduated the following year in June of 2019.  As a graduate of the program, he immediately began his Iron Worker career as an Apprentice, with a salary and benefits as a member of the Iron Workers Local 44.   Stephen has completed his 4th year as an apprentice and on June 1, 2023 he will move to the level of Journeyman. Stephen is currently working for Journey Steel Inc. 

“This program has changed me tremendously. It helped me learn more about myself as a person and open my eyes to all the possibilities in the world. For example I never would of thought that I would end up helping build the Andrew J Brady Music Center. That’s something I will always cherish.” 

Stephen Rogers Jr.