Colton Schoendaller found his path through hands-on learning, starting in high school shop classes and continuing through technical education. Now a plumbing foreman with Glassman Corporation in Hays, Colton values the variety, problem-solving, and long-term opportunities the trades provide—and encourages others to explore vocational careers as a practical alternative to a traditional four-year degree.
For Colton Schoendaller, working with his hands always came naturally. Growing up in Hays, Kansas, he gravitated toward shop classes at Hays High School, where woodworking and welding sparked his interest in the trades. Those early experiences made it clear that hands-on work was where he thrived.
After high school, Colton continued that path at NCK Tech in Beloit, enrolling in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning program. With a father who worked as a plumber, the trade felt familiar—and quickly became a career. He discovered that plumbing blends technical skill and problem-solving, with plenty of math and structure. To Colton, the work often feels like assembling a complex set, following each step until the finished system comes together.
Today, Colton works as a plumbing foreman with Glassman Corporation. While plumbing is where he settled, he appreciates that the mechanical trades offer many directions—from sheet metal to refrigeration and HVAC installation. No two days are the same, and there’s always an opportunity to learn something new.
Colton is also passionate about helping others explore the industry. He encourages students to visit job sites, tour shops, and ask questions. In his experience, supervisors and foremen are willing to slow down, teach, and help new workers improve every day. For parents weighing college versus vocational education, Colton points to the strong job demand, professional growth, and the ability to earn a comfortable living with far less debt. For him, the trades aren’t just an alternative—they’re a smart, rewarding career choice.
