Craftsman with Character

05/28/2026

ITAMCO’s Craftsman with Character internship helps build the next generation of manufacturing craftsmen through training, mentorship, and character development.

04/22/2026

Today, we’re launching something new at Craftsman with Character. Over the past few months, we’ve been doing the kind of work that doesn’t always get seen: trying to make the program simpler, more useful, and easier to lead well.

We built a new platform that brings everything into one place for our partners. We added new facilitator tools, including session prep videos from Dave, to better support the people leading these conversations. And today, we’re introducing the Craftsman with Character Employee Program.

For a long time, our work has focused on students, helping them build character, responsibility, and a sense of purpose before they enter the workforce. This is a natural extension of that work. The Employee Program is designed for businesses that want to invest in their people and build stronger mentoring cultures inside their teams. If that’s something you’re thinking about, we’d love to chat. You can learn more here:

Building Reliability, Purpose, and Pride in Today’s Workforce Manufacturing and trades employers depend on a reliable, purpose‑driven workforce with strong character, clear expectations, and a mentoring culture that carries skilled work forward.The Craftsman with Character® Employee Program ada...

03/06/2026

We’re honored to see our founder, Dave Hataj’s, story shared so thoughtfully in this powerful Machine Shop Mastery interview. What starts as a conversation about Edgerton Gear becomes something much bigger: a story of culture change, leadership, mentorship, and the importance of restoring dignity, purpose, and character in work. The episode also shares how Craftsman with Character grew from a local idea into a workforce development model reaching students across multiple states. If you care about the future of manufacturing, mentorship, and building strong people - not just skilled workers - this is worth the listen.

Podcast Episode · Machine Shop Mastery · March 4 · 1h 4m

02/04/2026

01/13/2026

10/10/2025

What if one hour a day could change a student’s future?

Through Craftsman with Character, our Milwaukee team is helping high school students from St. Augustine Preparatory Academy discover pride, purpose, and potential in the trades.

Each morning, students step into Ahern’s world by shadowing project managers, technicians, designers, and construction professionals. This program is more than hands-on learning. It offers a values-based experience built on integrity, teamwork, and character.

As Milwaukee General Manager Mark Peterson shared, “We’re showing them what the trades really look like. It’s not just about construction. It’s about building confidence and community.”

The program is already sparking curiosity and lighting a fire for future opportunities, including potential youth apprenticeships and careers at Ahern.

We are proud to partner with St. Augustine Prep to invest in the next generation of tradespeople and community leaders, one morning at a time.