Nathan Madachy’s path to becoming a mechanical engineer was anything but traditional. A graduate of Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette, Colo., Nathan found himself uncertain about his future as he neared the end of high school. His career journey took a decisive turn when he stumbled upon an email about the CareerWise Youth Apprenticeship Program. Intrigued, he attended an information session at his high school, where he discovered an opportunity that was unlike anything else being offered.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but this showed me,” said Nathan. The program presented a unique chance to explore career options outside the conventional academic path, something he found immensely appealing. “I didn’t want to do a traditional school path. I wanted something different.”

Nathan spent three transformative years as an apprentice at Research Electro-Optics (REO), now known as Excelitas Technologies, where he worked as an Optical Technician, machining laser optics for government and civilian businesses. During his apprenticeship, Nathan worked closely with mechanical engineers, an experience that sparked his interest in the field and inspired him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Colorado State University .

“While at my apprenticeship as a technician at REO, I worked directly next to the mechanical engineers. I saw there were more opportunities than being a technician,” said Nathan. “Being there sparked my interest to learn more, and it drove me to want to study mechanical engineering.”

Nathan’s apprenticeship wasn’t just about gaining technical skills. It was also a time for personal growth and self-discovery. Opting for a gap year after high school, Nathan decided to work full-time, allowing him to delve deeper into his trade and clarify his academic and career goals. “I didn’t want to go straight into college right after high school. I was a young student in my grade, and I wanted to explore after high school because I didn’t know what degree I wanted,” said Nathan. “I felt more grounded during that year and learned a lot.”

Nathan’s experiences at REO set him up for success in college. During his sophomore year at CSU, he interned at Solid Power Battery in Louisville as an automation engineer. Thanks to his prior experience as a CareerWise apprentice, Nathan felt more confident during interviews and found the process much less intimidating. “My interviews in college for positions were not as scary,” said Nathan. “Learning how to talk to others was a major role. I was a technician during my apprenticeship, but now I am an engineer. That relationship between the two roles is very important, and I don’t think I would have been a good communicator without that apprenticeship.”

Beyond the technical and interpersonal skills he developed, Nathan also gained valuable financial literacy through CareerWise. At just 16 years old, he found himself earning a substantial income, which led him to seek advice from David Fulton at CareerWise. With David’s guidance, Nathan started a Roth IRA and began contributing to his 401(k) at REO, laying the foundation for a secure financial future.

Looking back, Nathan is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the CareerWise Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Having an apprenticeship is an unbeatable experience. There are no other opportunities like this you can have later in your life. Being a high school student, this is the time to get out there and learn about yourself. You can try things and fail.”

As Nathan continues his studies at CSU, he remains passionate about the path he’s chosen and the opportunities that lie ahead. His journey from a curious high school student to a driven mechanical engineering student is a testament to the power of apprenticeships in shaping the futures of young professionals—helping them become well-rounded, confident, and prepared for the challenges ahead.