ITU AbsorbTech Honored for Pioneering Student Work-Based Learning

New Berlin, Wis. — GPS Education Partners (GPS) has recognized ITU AbsorbTech with the 2025 Trailblazer Award, honoring the company’s pioneering role in helping students gain hands-on career experience through GPS’s work-based learning model.

ITU AbsorbTech was one of the first companies in southeastern Wisconsin to open its doors as a GPS Education Center host site, transforming part of its New Berlin facility into a classroom where students learn and work side by side with employees. By welcoming teachers and students into its operations and supporting youth apprenticeships, the company helped establish a new model for connecting education and industry.

ITU AbsorbTech owners Jim and David Leef accepted the award at the GPS 25th anniversary event.

Since becoming an official GPS partner site in 2019, 54 GPS students have trained with ITU AbsorbTech teams, with six currently active across its New Berlin and Neenah facilities.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a Trailblazer,” said Jim Leef, Executive Chairman of the Board at ITU AbsorbTech. “Our partnership with GPS reflects our company’s ongoing commitment to learning, mentorship, and creating opportunities for young people to succeed in manufacturing careers.”