Earning an associate’s degree and completing a USDOL Apprenticeship while still in high school may seem extraordinary, but 17-year-old Adam Romero from Fort Zumwalt North High School in O’Fallon Missouri is well on his way to achieving these remarkable milestones. Serving as a machine operator apprentice for Seyer Industries, a prominent aerospace and military defense machining company, Adam is poised to advance significantly in his career by mid-2025, possibly securing a permanent position in a vital industry for the nation.
Due to confidentiality constraints, Adam is discreet about the specific projects he's involved in at Seyer Industries in St Peters. However, he shares insights into his responsibilities, operating various CNC machines including five axis machines and overseeing an auto-loading robot. This robot, under his guidance, streamlines the transfer of pallets to larger machines, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual labor.
Juggling up to 24 hours of work per week alongside his studies at Ft. Zumwalt North High School, Adam reveals his dedication to education, Taking courses such as chemistry, advanced placement government, college algebra, American literature and Engineering metals/precision machining. His strategic choice of advanced courses began in eighth grade, allowing him to opt for college-level algebra in high school, minimizing mandatory classes.
Adam acknowledges the surprising complexity of some computer programs used for the machines, describing his role in tweaking code as akin to basic Python programming. He distinguishes between a machine operator and a machinist, emphasizing the latter's involvement in machine programming, setup and meticulous preparation.
Despite his hands-on role, Adam dismisses the notion of developing rough hands, and getting dirty. He shares how modern and clean the work environment is. His advice to aspiring apprentices is unexpectedly practical: prioritize school over work, as academic success is a prerequisite for maintaining apprenticeships.
As the Work Base Learning Facilitator and Apprenticeship Coordinator for the Fort Zumwalt School District, I wholeheartedly support these principles. Apprentices must stay on track to graduate and maintain at least a C average throughout their apprenticeship. They also need to demonstrate a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and consistent punctuality. By meeting these expectations, Adam is making great progress toward completing his apprenticeship and transitioning into a full-time machinist position at Seyer Industries. Seyer Industries has recognized Adam’s aptitude for learning and his growth potential, and they are fully committed to his success.
Looking ahead, Adam has considered pursuing a four-year degree but currently favors hands-on work. He feels a strong connection to Seyer's dedication to quality, appreciating the critical role they play in producing high-quality parts for the defense industry—something he believes has a direct impact on national security.
Currently, the Fort Zumwalt School District has over 45 students engaged as U.S. Department of Labor apprentices across various industries, including Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Culinary Arts, Childcare, and Information Technology. Our goal is to equip the next generation of skilled workers who are essential to today's workforce.