From LANGD
In Summary:
The Lake Apopka Natural Gas District awarded Apopka High graduate Jayden Safford a $3,000 scholarship to help launch his welding career. Local officials joined LANGD leaders to recognize Safford during a ceremony celebrating the importance of skilled trades education. The utility also announced that two additional scholarships remain available for eligible students pursuing technical and vocational careers.
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A recent Apopka High School graduate is one step closer to a career in the skilled trades after receiving a $3,000 scholarship from the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD).
Jayden Safford was presented with the scholarship during an award ceremony on Thursday morning in recognition of his plans to pursue a career in welding, one of the nation's most in-demand skilled trades.
Related: Lake Apopka Natural Gas District earns national gold-level operational excellence award.
Joining Safford for the presentation were Apopka City Commissioners Diane Velazquez and Alexander Smith, along with Pam Jones representing Congressman Daniel Webster's office. Also participating in the ceremony was LANGD General Manager and CEO Brent E. Haywood, P.E.
The scholarship is part of LANGD's ongoing effort to encourage students to pursue technical and vocational careers that support the region's workforce and infrastructure needs.
"At LANGD, we believe investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals is an investment in the future of our communities," the utility said in a statement. "Skilled trades are essential to maintaining the infrastructure we rely on every day, and we're proud to help students pursue these rewarding careers."
Welding continues to be one of the fastest-growing skilled professions, with workers needed across the construction, manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utility industries. As experienced tradespeople retire, employers across Florida and the nation continue to report strong demand for qualified workers.
The Lake Apopka Natural Gas District established its Skilled Trades Scholarship program to help graduating seniors offset the cost of technical education, apprenticeships, and trade school programs. Scholarships are available to eligible students pursuing careers in fields such as welding, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, construction, automotive technology, and other skilled trades. The program awards scholarships of up to $3,000 to qualifying students.
LANGD officials noted that two scholarships for students pursuing trade or technical education remain available.
Key Points:
- Apopka High School graduate Jayden Safford received a $3,000 skilled trades scholarship from LANGD.
- Safford plans to pursue a career in welding, one of the nation's most in-demand trades.
- Apopka Commissioners Diane Velazquez and Alexander Smith joined the scholarship presentation along with representatives from Congressman Daniel Webster's office and LANGD.
- The scholarship program supports students entering careers in welding, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, construction, automotive technology, and other skilled trades.
- LANGD said two scholarships remain available for eligible students pursuing trade or technical education.
Students interested in applying can find eligibility requirements and application information on the utility's scholarship program website.
