"We started with demolition work, and took out the old duct work. And then we installed the new duct work," he explained. 

He's a sheet metal apprentice, and is learning the trade one job at a time. And the tools he carries, were paid for by a new scholarship fund.

"I went to Acme Tool in Duluth, and showed them a piece of paper that showed I had been awarded the grant," Thibault said.

He walked out with $500 worth of new tools that he can use on his jobs.

Thibault is grateful to the Duluth Builders Exchange for starting this scholarship program. "It feels good to know there are programs out there for us in trade schools," he shared.

Don O'Connor, General Manager, Duluth office of the Minnesota Builders Exchange, explained, "There's nothing like it in the industry. We worked with the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, the unions, and various vendors in the area, and put together this grant program for kids getting into the apprenticeship programs."

The Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation manages the scholarship fund, which is also for college and trade school applicants too.

David Hammer, scholarship officer for the foundation, told us, "Having these tools out there and growing the industry is a wonderful thing."

20 scholarships and grants were handed out already. And they are preparing to award another 20 grants this fall.

The next round of applications is due October 1st.

To apply for the scholarships:

https://www.dsacommunityfoundation.org/duluth-builders-exchange-legacy-scholarships

To watch the original report and see related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/news/duluth-builders-exchange-scholarship-fund-tools-trades-apprenticeship/5851...