Supporting the next generation of US CNC machinists

Kaden Stanczyk first competed on the national stage at SkillsUSA in 2022 and followed up his inaugural appearance with a silver medal win in precision machining when he returned to the competition in 2023. In May 2024 Stanczyk, a student at Mid-State Technical College in Rapids, Wisconsin, received the news that he was selected by SkillsUSA to represent the United States in CNC Milling at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition (WSC) in Lyon, France, Sept. 10-15. 

Trent Larsen, a technical sales engineer for CERATZIT USA and a Wisconsin resident got word of Stanczyk’s journey to the competition which includes intensive training with SkillsUSA advisor and technical expert, Alden “JR” Colvin. Larsen stepped up to provide a variety of top-quality CERATIZIT cutting tools, technical guidance and personal support.

“Supporting Kaden’s training for WorldSkills and JR’s role as an advisor shows our commitment to helping the next generation of machinists and the people who teach them,” says Larsen. “JR has been an educator for more than twenty years and Kaden is one of only eight people selected for the SkillsUSA team. I am proud to provide them both with the resources necessary to compete on the world stage.”

The pride is shared by leadership throughout CERATIZIT, and Larsen is heralded for taking swift action to contribute to Stanczyk’s professional development and the growth of the CNC machining industry. Promoting hands-on learning and celebrating upcoming leaders is vital to U.S. manufacturing.

“Trent has a deep appreciation for mentorship and on-going learning,” says Troy Wilt, CERATIZIT Midwest national sales manager and Larsen’s supervisor. “When he proposed sponsoring Kaden, it allowed us to showcase our cutting-edge tooling solutions, but more importantly we are supporting a member of our team who is passionate about their job and what they can do for the future of our industry.”

WSC has been the pinnacle of vocational education and training excellence and brings together young professionals representing more than 85 member countries and regions. The event showcases the highest standards of skills in industries ranging from manufacturing and engineering to technology and services.