After thousands of hours of work, Council Bluffs school leaders spent Tuesday celebrating an incredible accomplishment by Rachel Swanger. The Thomas Jefferson High School graduate is the district’s first student to complete a Registered Apprenticeship in Welding program.

Swanger first started the curriculum in 2021, having previously studied at the southwest Iowa school’s Tradeworks Academy and earning a Welding Certificate from Iowa Western Community College. As a Registered Apprentice, Swanger logged thousands of hands-on welding hours at Lozier, learning from long-time industry professionals while building her skills at the North Plant.

“I started in a very good department and I got trained very well,” Swanger told the School Board Tuesday night. “It was just a lot of welding from there!” Crediting the Tradeworks Academy’s relationship with Lozier, Swanger said she was excited for the opportunity after a class trip.

“I heard about Lozier and I wanted to take that opportunity. It turned out amazing,” Swanger said. Community Outreach & Engagement Manager Ralph Kleinsmith helped coordinate the initial conversation for the Apprenticeship, crediting Swanger’s abilities and passion for the work.

“I’ve never seen anyone come out of high school with her kinds of skills and talents,” Kleinsmith said. “She’s rapidly progressed to become a go-to person at work.” As part of the presentation, district leaders took the opportunity to formally honor Swanger’s accomplishment.

“Rachel, it is an honor tonight to recognize you as our district’s first Registered Apprentice in Welding at Lozier Corporation,” Chief of Secondary Schools Melissa Comine said in her presentation. While weather postponed the initially planned in-person certificate presentation, the school district and Lozier are working together to celebrate Swanger at the North Plant.

The board closed out the discussion with plenty of praise, thanking Lozier for welcoming one of its students and setting her up for success.

“I have just nothing but praise, you did it!” Boardmember Teresa Hardiman said.

“From the board and the school district, allowing us to be inside Lozier, taking some of our exemplary students and making sure they excel,” Jared Tripp added, before turning his praise to Swanger.

“Rachel, it’s fantastic that you took a risk and it’s paid off clearly. You have a very bright future ahead of you.”