Helping Hands OV has awarded its first-ever $1,000 Blue Collar Trade School Scholarship to Preston Schweiger, recognizing his commitment to the skilled trades and his dedication to serving the community through his work as an electrician. Photo courtesy of Helping Hands OV

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - Helping Hands OV has awarded its first-ever $1,000 Blue Collar Trade School Scholarship to Preston Schweiger, recognizing his commitment to the skilled trades and his dedication to serving the community through his work as an electrician.

Schweiger, a graduate of Casa Roble High School, currently works for Irish Electric and is continuing his education through required state apprenticeship schooling while pursuing his journeyman certification.

The scholarship marks a major milestone for Helping Hands OV, which created the program to support local students entering trade careers as well as those already in the trades and continuing or expanding their education, and to address the growing need for skilled tradesmen and women in the region.

“Tradespeople are the backbone of our communities,” said Helping Hands OV Treasurer, Vanessa Jacobsen. “Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, welders and other skilled workers keep our homes, businesses and infrastructure functioning every day. This scholarship was created because we believe these careers deserve more recognition, support and investment.”

Schweiger’s application essay stood out for its honesty, passion and understanding of the importance of skilled labor.

“Becoming an electrician means more to me than just a job,” Schweiger said. “Keeping lights on, refrigerators running and power flowing when people need it most drives me to pursue a life in this field.”

He credited a former wood-shop teacher at Casa Roble as one of the major inspirations behind his career path.

“Without skilled and thoughtful electricians, nobody’s houses would have lights at night or heat in the winter,” Schweiger said. “This drove me toward a career in the electrical field without a doubt.”

Schweiger also shared that pursuing a blue-collar career represents a new direction for his family.

“In my family, stepping into a blue-collar job isn’t common,” he said. “My career opens a new door for my family tree and generations to come.”

Helping Hands OV said the scholarship is about more than financial support. It is also about investing in individuals whose skills directly improve the quality of life within the community.

“Skilled trades create lasting impact,” organizers said. “These careers allow people not only to build successful futures for themselves, but also to use their talents to strengthen and support the community around them.”

Since beginning work shortly after graduation, Schweiger said he has already found fulfillment in the field.

“Every time the lights come on for the first time, the smiles on the owners’ faces make it worth the work,” he said.

The $1,000 scholarship will help offset the cost of required schooling associated with a career in the electrical trade.

Helping Hands OV plans to continue growing the scholarship program in future years to support additional students pursuing careers in the trades.

To learn more about Helping Hands OV or support their mission, visit helpinghandsov.org.