This fall, Kenneth Lauterbach (pictured above with his family) will be taking his first college classes at the age of 35. Enrolled in the SEU Trades program, he is pursuing an Associate of Science in Project Management degree.
Already a veteran in the trades sector, Lauterbach specializes in high-end ornamental welding and fabricating. His work needs to be meticulously detailed and precisely refined, as it’s the final product the customer will see.
“My experience ranges from all over,” explained Lauterbach. “I’ve done everything from fancy staircases and railings to different types of claddings.”
Lauterbach’s Beginnings
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and currently located in Staten Island, Lauterbach has worked on jobs all across New York City. He has completed projects and contracts for big companies such as Chipotle and Morgan Stanley, as well as many housing jobs.
Lauterbach has been practicing welding and fabricating for about 15 years and originally had an unconventional introduction to the field.
“Growing up, I didn’t have the best situation. I’ve been on my own since I was 16 years old. When I was younger, I got into some trouble and went to prison for three and a half years,” said Lauterbach.
It was during this time that Lauterbach decided to turn things around by taking positive steps toward a more sustainable future. He began attending vocational school to learn welding and fabrication. The program was extensive, equipping him with skills related to oxyacetylene welding, stick welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding, and eventually, fabrication.
Lauterbach recalled, “During the course of the program, I really started mastering the skills to the point where I became the teacher’s assistant and was helping others learn the craft as well.”
This training served as a crucial foundation, and Lauterbach was able to dive headfirst into the field. Lauterbach’s determination to not let his past challenges define him, but rather use them as a springboard into a successful career, has truly paid off for himself and his family.
“I started from the bottom and really worked my way up the ladder pretty quickly,” he expressed. “I’ve asserted myself in the field, invested in myself and the craft, and I’ve gotten really good at what I do.”
Ready for Growth
Over the years, Lauterbach eventually reached the point where he was the lead on every project he took on. He was overseeing the jobs, managing the workers, and handling high-value clients. He even started his own company, Vulcan Metal Works, in 2022 and was taking on some projects through that venture.
However, Lauterbach started to feel like he was ready for the next step in his career.
“I really had to sit back and think about what could help me continue to learn and grow in my field, and that’s what got me thinking about project management,” he said. “When you’re doing everything from residential jobs to high-end commercial construction jobs, those project management skills have to be there.”
Lauterbach is one of 41 students majoring in a trades program at SEU this fall. Although he’ll be taking his courses online, several trades students will even be on campus.
SEU Trades & Looking to the Future
After an initial launch in the spring of 2024, SEU Trades is in full swing this semester and has received approval from the university’s primary accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SEU is one of the only faith-based institutions to offer a trades program.
As a two-year program, the project management degree has a requirement of 60 credits and an overall goal of equipping students to sit for the Project Management Institute exams which earn PMI or PMP certifications.
When it comes to the future, Lauterbach is open to whatever avenues may open up with the addition of his new degree.
“My overall goal is to grow within my field and within my project management skills. I want to soak up as much as I can and truly be happy in my work and what I do,” said Lauterbach.
