Since the seventh grade, senior Patrick Volkmann has had creation in mind and saw in hand as a Wildcat woodworking enthusiast. Fox Valley Tech (FVTC) woodworking instructor Mark Lorge recognizes Volkmann's unique abilities as a student and appreciates his work ethic.

“The ability to take static material and change it into something that is aesthetically pleasing can be challenging and Patrick has risen to the challenge,” Lorge said. “He possesses a very good work ethic and strives to achieve the goals that he has set for himself.”

Beginning in middle school, woodworking has been a passion of Volkmann’s for many years.

“I learned the basic techniques and basic skills at West, which was more than I had learned at the middle school level,” he said. “I learned to use different machines and how to build some satisfying projects. My favorite project at West was a nightstand that I built which I still have to this day in my room.”

Of the many lessons experienced while in the shop, one remains most crucial to Volkmann.

“I’ve learned all about patience because if you aren’t patient when working with wood, you will mess everything up,” he said.

He appreciates the West staff's willingness to help him foster his skills while still in the classroom.

“Mr. [John] Oman really supported me,” Volkmann said. “I think he could see that I was really passionate about woodworking, so he helped me a lot, and he let me do my own thing sometimes as I figured out stuff on my own. I really appreciated everything that he did for me.”

Oman has not only provided Volkmann with opportunities to explore the art of wood, but has also written multiple recommendations for scholarships that he has since been awarded. He believes Volkman truly deserves everything he has received because of his passion and connection to woodworking.

“He really takes pride in what he is building and seems to really love it,” Oman said. “Not only could he work on his own but he would help others as well; he really understood the material.”

Senior Patrick Volkmann shows off his handcrafted Tv stand. Volkman is currently in the wood manufacturing course at Fox Valley Tech, and plans to enter into the workforce as soon as he graduates.

After taking all possible woodworking courses at West, in August of 2020 Volkmann began the Wood Manufacturing Technology Program at FVTC that will conclude in August this summer.

“During the time that Patrick has been at FVTC, I have witnessed his confidence and abilities increase dramatically,” Lorge said. “One thing that Patrick has developed during his time here at FVTC is his ability to envision a completed project and break that project down into its basic elements. This is a skill that some people don’t have.”

Volkmann was appreciative to have been recognized for his talents within the course at FVTC.

“My instructors at FVTC could recommend one student each that they believed were exceptional students to nominate for the Architectural Work Institute Scholarship,” he said. “I was one of two students nominated for a $1000 to $2000 award.”

After working on a project at his home, Volkmann sought out a special saw at a local Omro shop, which led to an unexpected opportunity.

“My teacher referred me to this shop called Black Wolf Design,” he said. “I went there to use a saw, but after chatting with the owner, he offered me a job there. They build custom furniture; you never build the same thing twice, and that is exactly what I was looking for.”

Another FVTC instructor, Glen Koerner, looks forward to seeing Volkmann’s workmanship as he pursues a career outside of high school.
“While a student, he has made great strides in growing his machining skills and applying those skills toward the projects he builds,” he said. “It will be exciting to see where Patrick’s enthusiasm and dedication takes him as he graduates from the program and pursues his career in the woodworking industry.”

Because of his experiences within West and the Tech, Volkmann discovered a passion that will spur his life for years to come. With plans to finish the program at the Tech and continue into the workforce, the lessons learned and creations built will forever be a part of this Wildcat.

“All of the stories that I have heard from my teachers have been really influential; they have told me about the pieces they have built and where they have gone,” Volkmann said. “The idea that I can build things myself that people can keep in their families through generations is just a really cool idea for me.”

By Abby Eaton

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue VII

May 27th, 2021

Volkman follows artistry of woodworking to career aspirations