Austin Rahn – Grand Rapids Community College, Industrial Electricity 

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

-    East Michigan District: $250
-    PMA Educational Foundation: $250
-    Total: $500

Austin is an industrial maintenance electrician apprentice and industrial electricity student working toward his electrical journeyman license. He began his career in manufacturing with an internship in the maintenance department, despite having no prior experience. He quickly discovered a natural talent for repairing machines and developed a strong interest in the challenges of electrical work. 

In 2023, his employer launched an industrial maintenance electrician apprenticeship program, which Austin joined to further his credentials. As he continues to grow in the program, he has become confident in his ability to work independently on machine controls and looks forward to earning a formal title in the electrical field. Upon completing the program, he plans to take the Michigan electrical journeyman license exam. 

With nearly 15 years of hands-on experience projected by his early 30s, Austin plans to continue advancing his career by eventually earning the Michigan master electrician license, the highest credential available in the field. He is also pursuing an associate degree in controls from Grand Rapids Community College to complement his journeyman license and expand his expertise. 

Since returning to college, Austin has maintained a 3.75 GPA, a significant improvement from his early academic performance and a reflection of his renewed focus and passion. He is committed to becoming a well-rounded and highly qualified professional in the electrical and manufacturing industries.