Burleson Works Program Places Five Local Graduating Seniors in Positions with Local Companies

Five local graduating seniors were awarded a Burleson Works scholarship today, May 10. The scholarship will allow them to receive financial assistance for training at local technical schools and then they will have the opportunity to be placed directly into a position with a local Burleson company.

The city, Burleson Economic Development Corporation, the Burleson Opportunity Fund and the Burleson Works partners celebrated by hosting a “signing day” with the scholarship recipients and representatives from the company’s where they will be employed (scholarship recipients will be required to pass all pre-employment screenings before they begin employment).

Mayor Ken Shetter spoke about the benefits of the Burleson Works program for the city, Burleson companies and those receiving the scholarship.  

“Burleson Works is one of the best things we do in Burleson,” said Mayor Shetter. “This program, in partnership with the Burleson Opportunity Fund, provides a direct path for students and residents to succeed in their careers.”

“You won’t find another community anywhere who cares this much about their residents’ success,” stated Mayor Shetter. “And, giving our local businesses the opportunity to succeed by assisting them in locating a skilled workforce.”

Hayes & Stolz, who has achieved worldwide recognition as a leading industrial manufacturer of high-performance mixing, material handling and process equipment, will be bringing on one Burleson Works scholarship recipients. Stephanie Admire, a senior at Godley High School, will be working towards becoming a welder with the Hayes & Stolz family.

Wagner-Smith Equipment Co. designs, builds, sells, rents and services overhead and underground line-stringing equipment and tools for the electrical line industry across the nation.  Colby Stacy, who is set to graduate from Centennial High School in May, will join their team as a mechanic after completing training classes at Hill College.

Josiah Kline, a Centennial High School senior, will be working towards becoming a plumber with Vernon Davault Plumbing Company. Vernon Davault Plumbing Company was established in Burleson in 1975.

KWS Manufacturing Company, Ltd., founded in 1972, is the leader in the design and manufacture of conveying equipment for the bulk material handling industry and will be welcoming two Burleson Works recipients to their team. Ben Sanchez, a graduating senior at Venus High School, will be learning the skills to become a welder with the company. Zachary Largent, a Burleson High School senior, will be receiving on-the-job training as an engineering intern with KWS Manufacturing.

“We work very hard to bring quality industries to Burleson,” said Alex Philips, City of Burleson economic development manager. “These industries need a highly-skilled workforce to fill their jobs and this one-of-a-kind program allows us to work together as a community to cultivate our home-grown talent.” 

Mayor Shetter and Alex Philips provided some partnering words of to the Burleson Works recipients.

“To those that are receiving the Burleson Works scholarship, you are the most important economic strategy that we, as a city, have,” said Mayor Shetter.

“We look forward to seeing you grow in our community,” said Philips.