Ruben Rivera was introduced to apprenticeship opportunities while attending Landmark High School in Spanish Fork, Utah. The most beneficial aspect to beginning an apprenticeship while in high school for Ruben was earning credit for high school graduation and work at the same time. Since beginning his apprenticeship program, Ruben has a better understanding of how math is used in the workplace. By applying knowledge learned in the classroom to actual work scenarios, learning makes more sense. Ruben's apprenticeship program has helped him see the "real work" and be part of it.

When asked about the financial advantages of an apprenticeship, Ruben replied, "Schooling is paid for by the company, and I make money while I learn." He plans to continue going to school and learn as much as he can. "I'm not scared, and feel good about my future."

Ruben is finishing up his second year in the apprenticeship program and will start his third year in September 2004. Ruben has done extremely well in school and in his life. He has taken on an ownership role in his apprentice training. Ruben has been in the areas of deburr, tool crib and is now in tool grind learning to sharpen tools.

Klune Industries, Inc. is an integrated engineering and manufacturing company with widespread capabilities serving many industries. Klune principally produces assembled components for the military and commercial aerospace sectors. The company's core strengths are in sheet metal forming, precision machining, laser cutting and welding, and assembly. The Spanish Fork facility is a medium-sized precision machining facility specializing in military and commercial industries. Klune Spanish Fork employs 160 people and has one building totaling 160,000 square feet.