Special promotional content provided by Boys and Girls Club of Dane County.
At just 18 years old, Pedro Valerio Cano is already paving the way toward a promising career in the trades—literally. A recent graduate of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Pedro has found both purpose and progress at Cru Concrete, a Madison-based company that specializes in residential concrete construction.
Pedro didn’t always know this path was for him. Originally from Chicago, he moved to Madison about 10 years ago and attended West High School. When traditional academics proved challenging, a new opportunity gave him a fresh direction.
“I wasn’t doing very good, and they offered me help,” Pedro said of the Boys and Girls Club. “You work while you gain credits as well. If I went [to the program] a few times a week and learned and did the hands-on things, they would give me credits for school.”
That opportunity came through the Boys and Girls Club’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which introduces young people to the skilled trades while helping them meet academic goals. While the program exposed him to several options, it was concrete that caught Pedro’s interest.
“We went to a couple (trades work sites). We went to the laborers union. They have multiple (options), like welding, machine operating, stuff like that,” he said. “The concrete industry sparked an interest in me.”
Once he got started at Cru Concrete—formerly Hottmann Construction—Pedro quickly stood out. Casey Neugent, Cru’s Training Coordinator, remembered Pedro’s early days vividly.
“He picked up on things really fast. By the second day, he understood us running string lines for a driveway,” Casey said. “He’s eager to learn, asks the right questions… he actually cares about it. Wants to learn and make more money.”
Pedro’s bilingual skills have also made him an asset on the job. “He helps out in a lot of those situations to communicate,” said Casey. “For being as young as he is, he shows a lot of maturity.”
Pedro has already moved from Laborer 1 to Laborer 2 and is now training to be a finisher—an important step up in the trade. “He came to us and said, ‘I want to learn how to finish,’” Casey recalled. “And he’s getting to the point where he’s doing most of it himself already.”
That level of initiative is exactly what makes Pedro’s journey so compelling. With just under a year at Cru, he’s already positioning himself for long-term success. “I definitely feel like I’m in it for the long run,” Pedro said. “I want to learn how to finish and do all that stuff myself.”
The pre-apprenticeship gave him more than just a foot in the door—it gave him a foundation. “They were hands-on and just basic tests on what tools are which and how to use them,” Pedro said. “I never used a saw in my life before, so knowing how to use it a little bit—or like some sort of experience—definitely helps.”
Today, Pedro is thriving on his own crew, continuing to learn and develop his skills. Reflecting on his journey, Pedro shared some advice for others who might be in the same situation he was in just a couple of years ago.
“I would definitely recommend asking for help. I know I was a little scared of asking for help, but it benefited me in the long run,” he said. “Most schools nowadays have more programs, and it’s easier for them to help you get a job or graduate. They have a lot of resources, and I feel like I didn’t take advantage of them sooner—but I still ended up pushing through.”
Pedro also recognizes how much his new career has changed his life.
“I didn’t grow up the wealthiest. I had a couple jobs before this, and they didn’t pay as good. But joining (Cru Concrete) and getting paid more and earning more skills… that’s a huge benefit,” he said. “It feels good.”
For Pedro, the concrete industry is more than a job—it’s a craft, a livelihood, and a future.
“If you do want to join the concrete area of trades, I’d say go for it,” he said. “It’s not the hardest trade to learn, but it’s very useful. Personally, at Cru Concrete, I’ve had a good experience.”
From a high school student in need of a new direction to a rising star in the trades, Pedro’s story is a testament to what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.
