At just 20 years old, Draven Leady has accomplished what many might consider an extraordinary feat: completing Sandburg’s automotive technology certificate program while simultaneously working full-time and now finishing an advanced certificate in welding—all while planning a wedding and starting a new chapter in his life.

“I adapt pretty quickly,” says Leady, a 2023 graduate of Spoon River Valley High School.

His journey at Sandburg exemplifies the dynamic opportunities available through the college’s career and technical education (CTE) programs.

“I got signed up for a scholarship called Tools of the Trade,” Leady explains. The Tools of the Trade scholarship program, supported by Mellinger Foundation funds and the Sandburg Foundation, provided awarded recipients with a full set of tools that might otherwise have presented a significant financial barrier.

Sandburg’s automotive facility also impressed Leady with its professional-grade equipment. “They’ve got a lot of new Snap-on tools, a brand-new scanner for automotive called the Zeus, five post lifts, our own alignment machine and a brand-new tire machine,” Leady said. “We got a lot of new stuff that we were the first hands to touch and try out.”

While still in the automotive program, Leady’s work ethic became evident when he secured employment at Heat and Control, a company that manufactures equipment for the food processing industry. His schedule became grueling.

“I’d come to school around 8 a.m., go to work till 2 a.m., and do it all over again,” Leady recalls. “I was just non-stop go. As long as I’m working and not sitting there, I’ll be alright.”

Leady completed his automotive technology certificate in May 2023, but his educational journey was just beginning. Drawing on welding skills he first developed in high school and learned from his father, Leady enrolled in Sandburg’s welding program. The program’s structure allowed him to progress quickly through intensive four-week courses covering various welding techniques.

“Our welding classes are mainly four weeks long. They’ve got torch cutting, stick welding, MIG, TIG—your basics,” Leady said. “Then the second semester is more advanced, going more in-depth and getting your certificates.”

Under the guidance of instructor Ian Milligan (whom Leady credits alongside automotive instructor Mike Hagedorn for being flexible and supportive), Leady has excelled. He’s earned multiple Lincoln Electric certificates, demonstrating his proficiency with various welding equipment and techniques.

“A lot of the jobs that my instructor Ian pushes out, I get them done pretty quick and easy,” Leady said.

His excellence in welding recently earned him recognition at the SkillsUSA state competition in Peoria, where he won a gold medal for his art sculpture. The achievement qualified him to represent Sandburg at the national competition in Atlanta in June.

Beyond technical skills, Leady values the community atmosphere at Sandburg. “We’ve got our own little building community,” Leady said. “We keep in touch. It’s got our own little area that we work in, and we’ve got our own people to talk with and engage with, rather than going to a big campus where you might not recognize people.”

As Leady completes his welding certificate, he hopes to leverage his dual skill sets at Heat and Control, where he plans to take the welding test and join the welding department. He’s also preparing for his upcoming wedding to Katie Ferguson, who’s currently enrolled in Sandburg’s dental hygiene program.

For Leady, who has dyslexia, Sandburg’s hands-on approach to education has been essential to his success. “That’s where I strive the best,” he explains. “Both instructors I’ve had are like, ‘We’re going to try and push you out to the shop as much as we can. We want you to get that hands-on shop experience rather than just doing it by the book.’”

This practical approach to education is what Leady believes sets Sandburg apart.

“It’s so nice to be going to a college or trade school that offers a good education and is well-known for its students,” he says, proudly serving as an ambassador for the institution that’s helped shape his future.