Real Minnesotans Who Joined the Industry as a Second Career

If you’ve been considering making a big career change but it feels impossible – don’t be so sure. Beginning a career in construction has never been so seamless or so rewarding.

Do you dread going into the office?

Do you feel you that you were meant to do more than work in a big box retail store?

Are you feeling you’re on a path to nowhere and need to “shake it up” with a new career where you can’t wait to get out of bed to go to?

According to a recent survey by NASDAQ, more than half of working Americans are considering a major job change in 2024. More than one-tenth (11.93%) of respondents planned to pursue an entirely new full-time job or career. There are many reasons why someone might decide to make this change, including seeking a different balance of in-person or remote work, wanting a career to align with one’s financial goals, or interest in learning something new.

In many cases, changing careers is easier said than done. Factors such as the financial or time commitment of returning to higher education and falling victim to the sunk cost fallacy can hinder Americans from making the change they want to see in their careers.

For professionals who feel excited at the possibility of entering a new career, but sheepish at the financial investment, here’s some great news: Entering a registered apprenticeship through a construction trade union often won’t cost you a thing. In fact, you’ll get paid a good salary to do it.

According to the Construction Careers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the diversity of entrants into the construction trades, the average wages earned by an apprentice during the first four years of on-the-job training are $144K. This is compared to the $29K that students at a public college and the $133K that students at a private college will pay for four years of schooling in Minnesota.

But finances are just one part of overall career satisfaction. Are construction professionals happy with their jobs? Research seems to think so. A recent survey by Construction Dive concluded that a whopping 97% of craft workers in America like the work that they do most of the time.

If the numbers alone aren’t enough to convince you to make the change, here are two stories of real Minnesotans who left one profession to pursue the construction trades and loved it:

HGTV Inspires Former Teacher to Commit to Her Dreams Full Time

Carley Carey is in her third year of a four-year long apprenticeship with Erik Nelson Plumbing in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Just take it from Carley Carey, a third-year plumbing apprentice with Erik Nelson Plumbing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Carly Carey loves learning, which made teaching a natural career fit – one that she enjoyed for 11 years as a middle school English and Social Studies teacher.

But, when the pandemic hit in 2020, Carey optimistically began considering alternate career paths.

“I’ve always loved HGTV – ‘This Old House’ specifically, it’s probably how they investigate problems and at the end of the day they step back and see their work,” Carey said. “My boyfriend looked over at me one day and said, ‘You could do all of this, why not start learning about what jobs are out there.’”

Carey used the first months of the pandemic to research Minnesota’s trade unions and shops. Of all of her options, plumbing piqued her interest the most. A few years later, she is well into her apprenticeship and can’t imagine doing anything else.

“It’s easy to get down on yourself when you are in the midst of learning so much new information at once,” Carey said. “But I already know this career path will pay off – not just financially, but the skills I’ve learned in my first year alone – looking back I’m amazed at everything that’s second nature to me now, you would never know that a year ago I didn’t know the names of half of these tools.”

Toua Yang’s Journey to Purpose and Financial Freedom

Saint Paul, Minnesota resident Toua Yang began his career as a banker before deciding he had to start over.

“I got a desk job but, in the office, it was either slow or I was overwhelmed with work and ended up taking it home,” Yang said. “There was no excitement and no work-life balance.”

Toua Yang started his career as a banker. Now, he’s an electrician.

Yang has always been a charismatic person and a hard worker, and he knew he didn’t want to make the financial commitment to return to college. So, he decided to check out the construction trades.

Yang started his first day as an electrical apprentice unfamiliar with how to use a drill and with no previous experience working in construction. By the time he completed his first year of training, he knew this was the career he was made to pursue.

“I know so many people come from a place like me, where you feel lost and you might have an office job but it’s not fulfilling or you are overworked,” Yang said. “Walking into something new is challenging but that challenge is worth it, and it will teach you about who you are and what you really want out of life.”

“It’s easy to get down on yourself when you are in the midst of learning so much new information at once,” Carey said. “But I already know this career path will pay off – not just financially, but the skills I’ve learned in my first year alone – looking back I’m amazed at everything that’s second nature to me now, you would never know that a year ago I didn’t know the names of half of these tools.”

So, how does one start a career in construction?

First, visit the careers page on www.ConstructionCareers.org to research more than 30 construction trades in Minnesota and discover which trade might good fit for you. Then, use the careers page to navigate to the website of one of the local unions associated with your trade to learn how you can apply for an apprenticeship through that union. Your future is just a few clicks away.

Construction Careers Foundation: Start Your Future Today

For more stories similar to this one, visit the blog at www.ConstructionCareers.org. To learn more about apprenticeship through a construction union, click here.

Here are the top seven ways high school students can set themselves up for success right now to start a career in any of Minnesota’s construction trades after graduation.

There are plenty of great reasons to seek a construction apprenticeship after high school. Between getting paid to learn, doing hands-on work, and getting to create something real to be proud of – a construction apprenticeship offers a number of rewards and benefits that today’s young people are seeking in a career.

If you’re a young person interested in a construction apprenticeship but haven’t yet reached the age requirement to apply (typically 18 years old), it can be hard to know how to prepare yourself for success down the line.

If this sounds like you, don’t fret. Here are seven ways to prepare yourself for a construction apprenticeship starting — right now!

Focus on graduating – In addition to being 18 years old, many construction apprenticeships require that you earn a high school diploma or earn a GED equivalent. Keep your focus on the prize – earn that degree so you can start to work with your hands and make a great living as a plumber, electrician, iron worker, pipe fitter, or any of the other 30 construction careers available.

Start getting experience – While many unions require new apprentices to be 18 years of age or older, there are many job opportunities available to young people right now that allow them to develop a skill set that will support a career in construction in the future. For example, a knowledge of tools such as the experience one gets working at a local hardware store is beneficial to a plumber apprentice candidate.

Other part-time jobs that require being physically fit and outdoors in a variety of conditions include: an outdoor educator or camp counselor, farm laborer, sports team assistant, seasonal yardwork assistant, or even a tech/prop crew member for your high school’s theater department.

The most important part: Show up on time to your part-time summer job, work hard, and obtain a good reference from your employer. Build a reputation as someone who employers can count on.

A Veit professional guides an MTA intern while operating a 301.5 excavator.

Construction Internship — High school students who live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area who want to join the construction trades should consider applying for an internship through the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA). MTA is a program supported by the Construction Careers Foundation (CCF), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to increase the diversity of entrants to the construction trades and foster long-term construction careers.

The program offers hands-on, paid summer construction internship experiences for participants to earn while they learn about construction as a career choice. The goal of the program is to help youth prepare for adulthood through skill development, personal development and the knowledge of how to access good jobs with good benefits in the construction industry.

Take relevant courses in school – In addition to perfecting the hands-on nature of a craft, most construction trades require apprentices to have strong theoretical knowledge as well. This means that sharp math and reading skills will be a huge asset to candidates applying for and entering into a construction apprenticeship. Learning to read plans, ask questions, follow directions, problem solve, and communicate well with other people are essential to a successful career in the construction trades.

A Minnesota Trades Academy instructor guides an intern through a woodshop project at Central High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The recommended prerequisites for high school students include construction courses, shop courses, and math and science courses. Knowledge of chemistry, physics, algebra and geometry are all applied to many construction trades almost every day. Blueprint reading and welding are also useful skills to experience in a shop or mechanics class before starting an apprenticeship.

Obtain a driver’s license – Safety is the No. 1 rule on any job site. And No. 2? It’s showing up on time and being ready to work. That’s why you need a driver’s license and access to a vehicle – to show up on time. Even if your chosen trade doesn’t require the operation of heavy equipment vehicles, most trades still require apprentices to obtain a driver’s license prior to entry into that trade. This will not only support a career in construction by providing mechanical operation skills, but it will give apprentices a means of transportation to and from any given job site.

The first step in obtaining a driver’s license for people under 21 years old is to complete a driver’s education course to learn the rules of the road. To learn how to sign up for a driver’s education course near you, talk to your school’s guidance counselor or visit Driver and Vehicle Services on mn.gov.

Seek mentorship – The Construction Careers Foundation (CCF) provides support services for young adults to help them navigate their application to registered apprenticeship programs and employers. CCF’s trades navigator builds relationships with educators, trades, trades schools and employment partners, to provide the best support to youth for career exploration. The navigator builds a mentoring relationship with youth and works with community resources to help youth find support resources and ongoing transition support.

If you are a student seeking apprenticeship information and guidance contact Trades Navigator Charie Gill at charie.gill@constructioncareers.org.

Do your research – There is a lot that goes into entering a career in any given construction trade. Not to mention, there are more than 30 trades to choose from. Whether you know exactly which trade you want to pursue or want to see what’s all out there, there’s always more to know…and its best to know your stuff.

To explore a trade you are interested in or see what other tracks are available to you, visit the careers page on ConstructionCareers.org. Each trade has its own page that details key skills, recommended high school classes, stories from current apprentices in the trade, and the contact information of local unions.

Construction Careers Foundation: Build Your Future

For more articles similar to this one, visit the blog on ConstructionCareers.org.

To explore more resources for more than 30 Minnesota construction trades, visit the careers page on ConstructionCareers.org.

Get Ready to Apply Now to Start a Rewarding Career in Construction.

With graduation approaching, it’s time to take the next step. Entering a construction apprenticeship through a local union or studying in a construction-related program at a Minnesota college or university is the perfect fit for any young person seeking an active, hands-on, good-paying career. 

Believe it or not – graduation is less than 120 days away for many high school seniors in Minnesota.

If you’re a high school teacher reading this, you may know of a student or two, who would be perfect for a career as a plumber or an electrician, and any of the other 30+ careers in Minnesota’s construction industry. Do them a favor and let them know about what they should do now to prepare to apply for an apprenticeship.

In between final reports, exams, part-time jobs, and the general hubbub of one’s final semester, it can be hard to remember that you’ll be throwing your graduation cap in no time at all. When the grass turns green again and the school bell rings for the final time – Do you know what you’ll do next?

It’s a daunting question. For many students, the period of one’s life after high school graduation presents the first time that a major life decision is in the hands of oneself, and not parents, teachers, or otherwise.

So – get excited! It’s time to grab the reins of your future. If you want a career that is hands-on, rewarding, and pays you to learn instead of the other way around, the construction trades might be the perfect fit for you.

The great news is, if you’ve ever considered a career in the Minnesota construction trades, now is a great time to enter the industry. Applying for a local apprenticeship has never been easier, with dozens of unions and colleges removing their application deadlines in favor of a rolling application approach. For many programs, it’s now as simple as picking the program that’s the best fit for you, filling out the application, and getting ready to enter this new stage of your career!

To help students navigate the many construction apprenticeship programs in Minnesota, here are 14 Minnesota construction unions and colleges that accept applications year-round:

Carpenters, Pile Drivers, Millwrights, Cabinet Makers: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters

At the Carpenters Training Institute, you can enroll in carpenter, pile driver, millwright, floor coverer, or cabinet maker apprenticeship programs. Information on program schedules, salary, and career paths is available on the Institute’s website. Request an application here.

Cement Masons and Plasterers: Local 633 JATC

The Local 633 JATC Training Center offers a three-year apprenticeship program in cement masonry and plastering complete with related and on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a driver’s license, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have reliable transportation, and be physically capable of the work. Click here to apply.

Operating Engineers: International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 and Associated General Contractors of Minnesota

The Local 49 Training Center offers a Universal Equipment Operator Apprenticeship for those interested in becoming an Operating Engineer. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a driver’s license, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass the Ramsey Test prior to beginning the apprenticeship. After passing the exam, you will be given a list of signatory contractors, and after receiving a Letter of Intent to Hire from one of these contractors, candidates will be able to enroll in the apprenticeship program. Fill out an application here.

Heat and Frost Insulators: Local 34

To apply to this 4-year mechanical insulator apprenticeship, candidates will need to submit an online application, work in the field as a permit helper for 160 hours, complete an interview process with the Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and pass an assessment testing basic arithmetic knowledge. For more information, visit Local 34’s website or contact the Twin Cities Apprenticeship Coordinator Eric Houske at 651-312-1249 or jac@insulators34.net.

Roofers & Waterproofers: Local 96

To request an application for apprenticeship with Local 96, call the apprenticeship line at 763-230-7663. For inquiries about Local 96’s roofer and waterproofer apprenticeship, visit their website or call 763-230-7663.

Sheet Metal Workers: SMART Local 10

Applications for the Central and Southern Minnesota Commercial Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Program are available year-round by appointment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be physically able to perform all job duties. A physical examination may be required before indenture. More details can be found on the Local’s website. To apply for an apprenticeship with SMART Local 10, contact Apprenticeship Coordinator Peter Carlson at coordinator@cmnjatc.org or (218) 330 – 4167.

Electrical Workers: MN Statewide Limited Energy JATC

To apply to the Energy Installer apprenticeship, applicants are required to be at least 17 years of age when applying and at least 18 years of age before the period of selection and indenture. Applicants must have evidence of completing one full credit high school or post-high school algebra class with a passing grade, have a high school diploma or equivalent, provide a high school transcript and proof of any education or training post-high school, have a valid driver’s license, and earn a score of 3 or above on the electrical trade’s aptitude test, which is offered monthly.

If an applicant can provide proof that they have worked at least 4,800 hours in the low voltage trade, they are not required to provide evidence of earning a passing grade in algebra, a high school diploma or equivalent, or provide a high school transcript and proof of any post-high school education and training. Visit the JATC’s website to apply online today.

Electrical Workers: St Paul/Minneapolis Electric JATC 110

Applications are open year-round, but candidates who complete an application before March 22, 2024, will be eligible to complete the GAN Aptitude Test, held once every quarter, on March 25, 2024.

Applicants are required to be at least 17 years of age, have a driver’s license, have a high school diploma or equivalent, provide educational transcripts, and have completed one full credit of algebra or higher math with a grade of at least C or successfully complete the Online Tech Math Course through the Electrical Training Alliance. Once you request an online account and your request is approved by the administrative staff, you can set up your account and fill out the application. Questions can be directed to office@mplsjatc.org or 763-497-0072. More information can be found on the JATC’s website.

Plumbers and Pipefitters: Northern Mechanical & Iron Range Plumbing & Pipefitting JATC Local 11 & 589

This union offers apprenticeships for those interested in becoming plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, and HVAC technicians. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, provide a copy of their birth certificate, and be able to physically perform the job role. Applicants must first create an online account before they can access the online application and upload the necessary documents. The application will require one business day to be processed before you can move through the rest of the process. Visit the website to access their Apprenticeship Standards Handbook and apply.

Plumbers and Pipefitters: Local 6 Rochester

This 5-year indentured apprenticeship involves working directly with a contractor, going to school two nights per week, and completing state testing. To be eligible for the program, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, be able to physically perform the job, have transportation, and may need to pass a drug test and/or physical exam before employment. Visit the Local’s website to find out more.

Painters, Drywall Finishers, Glassworkers and More: The Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM)

The Finishing Trades Institute offers apprenticeship programs that produce commercial painters, coating application specialists, drywall finishers, glaziers, glassworkers, and sign technicians. At FTIUM, most students earn their Associates of Applied Science Degree in an average of three years, with concentrations in each of the areas specified above. The program is registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and involves three years of training, about 432 related training hours, and 4,000 to 6,000 on-the-job training hours, depending on the program. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to physically perform the job role, be authorized to work in the U.S., have reliable transportation, and demonstrate their ability to master the trade based on a variety of evaluations. 17-year-olds are eligible to apply if they are part of a school-to-work program. Fill out an application today.

Many Trades: Dunwoody College of Technology

The Dunwoody Construction Sciences and Building Technology department has tracks that allow students to pursue careers in construction management, sheet metal and HVAC installation, electrical construction, electrical design, power and construction engineering technology, land surveying, civil engineering technology, and more. The application process involves filling out and submitting an online or paper application, sending in your official transcript, and completing an optional interview with an admissions counselor.

Programs tend to fill up fast, so the college recommends that students submit applications as early as possible to increase the chance of admission. Contact info@dunwoody.edu or 612-381-3041 for more information and visit their website to apply today.

Many Trades: Saint Paul College

Saint Paul College offers career and technical education programs on cabinet making, carpentry, electrical technology, pipefitting, plumbing, and more. While the college accepts applications year round, candidates must apply by May 1, 2024 in order to be eligible for study in Fall 2024.

Visit the Saint Paul College website to apply today. For more details, contact registration at registration@saintpaul.edu or 651-846-1555.

Many Trades: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

There are a number of construction-related programs available at various secondary education institutions in Minnesota, including carpentry and building trades, bricklaying, heavy equipment operation, plumbing, cabinetmaking, and more. Visit www.minnstate.edu/ for more information.

Students and Educators: Learn More at www.ConstructionCareers.org

Interested in learning more about different construction trades and what might be the best fit for you? Visit the Construction Careers Foundation website at constructioncareers.org to get information on industry wages and benefits, career paths, and more.

Job opportunities in the construction industry skyrocket nationwide. Minnesota is experiencing the greatest construction job growth rate across the country, promising stable and secure jobs for those already in the trades or for those thinking of joining.

The American construction industry is booming – and Minnesota is leading the charge full speed.

According to Construction Dive, Didi Cadwell, president and CEO of Global Location Strategies, reported that there has been “a huge uptick” in supporting manufacturing projects around the nation, specifically in capital-intensive projects since President Joe Biden signed the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act in August 2022. This has shifted focus on building facilities to manufacture and store products such as semiconductors, (electric vehicle) EV batteries, food, cars, and consumer goods in the United States.

This is a great time for young people who have been thinking of a career in the construction industry. With an economic boom such as this, the industry will need more people – and especially young people – to build long-lasting careers in construction. Recognizing the sheer volume of potential jobs available now and in the future, the Construction Careers Foundation has been partnering with trades associations, schools, teachers, students, parents, labor groups and businesses to help young people in Minnesota and surrounding states learn about how to kick start a career in construction.

Finance & Commerce, a newspaper focused on construction, finance, and economic development in Minnesota, reported Minnesota’s job opportunities in construction have increased by 2.4%-5.1% more than the rest of the country. The newspaper also reported that Minnesota’s job growth in the construction sector “far outpaces the nation as a whole in the past year – and that should continue thanks in part to major investments in renewable energy and other projects.”

This increase reveals a total of 7,322 jobs for Minnesota construction workers – and it won’t stop there. A press release from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently announced that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and DEED awarded more than $23.3 million in grants for infrastructure projects, expected to fund 946 full-time jobs in Hutchinson, Bemidji, and Princeton. These projects include:

• Hutchinson – With awards up to $53,821, the city of Hutchinson plans to construct a stormwater pond and conduct street improvements in order to develop Hutchinson’s industrial park.

• Bemidji – Bemidji was awarded $1,509,300 to construct streets and utilities that enable the development of five hangars at the Bemidji Regional Airport.

• Princeton – The city of Princeton was awarded $750,000 to assist with street and utility improvements to expand the Princeton Industrial Park.

DEED Commissioner Matt Varliek reflected on how these grants will continue to stimulate the economies of these cities, helping to encourage an economic development that will not only continue, but also maintain jobs in Minnesota.

“These investments in public infrastructure are more vital than ever to communities in Greater Minnesota, and we’re excited to partner with Hutchinson, Bemidji and Princeton to spur local economic growth,” said Varliek in the DEED press release.

Educators: Get Involved Today

Educators seeking guidance in informing their students about a career in construction, can visit the Educators Resources page on the ConstructionCareers.org website. We welcome educators and counselors to reach out to CCF on LinkedIn, and to sign-up for the CCF e-newsletter for more stories and current events.

Construction Careers Foundation: Build Your Future

Students, parents, and educators can visit ConstructionCareers.org to explore 30+ careers in the union construction industry, have access to valuable information regarding apprenticeships, read about the experiences of current construction apprentices in Minnesota, and more.

If you or someone you know dreams of obtaining higher education before entering a career in construction – don’t let the fear of student debt get in your way. Here are more than 20 scholarships you can apply for TODAY to help you get started.

There are many ways to begin a career in construction right out of high school.

Some young people apply to and are accepted into a registered construction trades apprenticeship program.

Others choose to learn a trade through a local community college or vocational training school.

There isn’t necessarily a “right way” – just options. It’s about doing what feels right for you, and for some, knowing that they’ll earn a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree as part of the training process is important to them, and their loved ones, too.

If you or a friend is leaning toward learning through an academic program, the cost of that education may be a concern. But here, too, there are options, including 20+ scholarship programs for which you can apply.

As you think about the financial aspects of attending a college or vocational school, make sure to visit with the school’s financial aid office to learn more about more ways that you may qualify for scholarships, grants and student loans.

For easy access to more free resources regarding entering a career in construction, check out the careers page and the educator resources page on www.ConstructionCareers.org.

Construction Careers Foundation: Build Your Future

For more stories similar to this one, visit the blog at www.constructioncareers.org.

To build the future of our country, America needs educators to support careers in construction.

October is Careers in Construction Month (CICM), a nationwide, month-long celebration that recognizes the rewarding and good-paying career paths available in the construction trades.

According to a new report by Bamboo HR, a human resources tech company, construction professionals were ranked among the happiest workers in the nation for the first two quarters of 2023. Despite this, the construction industry is facing worker shortages due to a labor force that is aging out. So, how can the construction industry spread the word about the great opportunities available as a construction professional?

It all starts with exposure. If young adults recognize that the construction trades are a viable, beneficial, and satisfying career pathway to explore from a young age, that’s a great step towards building the next generation of construction professionals and connecting young people to a career that they enjoy.

While young people represent the nation’s future workforce, and therefore, future construction trades candidates, it’s educators and counselors in Minnesota schools who have the power to spread awareness of the construction trades and promote programs for students to get hands-on experience.

Vadnais Heights educator Jack Roessler understands that in a system of traditional learning, some students may find that their aspirations for a future career are not covered in lectures, textbooks, and slides. He believes that hands-on experience and gaining a basic introduction to construction trades are key aspects to showing students that there are different career pathways and opportunities out there.

To support this vision, Roessler joined Construction Career Foundations’ summer paid internship program, the Minnesota Trades Academy, where he mentors students interested in construction.

Photo: Jack Roessler instructs MTA interns in a hands-on environment.

“There are so many different trade unions willing to open their doors and welcome our summer interns into their facilities. They take time out of their day, as well as some financial support donated by these unions and other protective equipment, to teach and expose the next generation to all these career opportunities. The Minnesota Trades Academy is a fantastic trades program and I think it is going to be doing a lot of great work in the future,” said Roessler.

Read more perspectives from local Minnesota shop and trades educators and counselors on the Construction Careers Foundation blog.

To celebrate Careers in Construction Month 2023, the Construction Careers Foundation (CCF) has partnered with Saint Paul Public Schools TeenVenture and the Local Union 110. On October 20th, union members facilitated activities for middle school students to get hands-on experience and exposure in the electrical trades. Students were able to engage in fun career exploration through these activities, such as learning how to read circuit boards and wire a doorbell.

This is just one of the many ways that CCF is helping to spread the word about the strong number of careers available in the construction industry. Whether you are an educator, student, construction professional or otherwise, there are plenty of ways you can get involved. To get you started, here’s three:

• Make Your Local School Aware – Ask any construction worker who is working today – very few were encouraged by their schools to pursue a career in construction. Parents and educators – go to the principals and superintendents of your local schools, go to your school board meetings – make them aware about Careers in Construction Month and why local schools need to consider promoting the career path of the construction trades to parents, educators and students throughout your school district. Construction trades apprenticeships offer rigorous learning programs for young people who love to think with their heads – and their hands. Not every young person wants to go to college. A career in construction offers a viable – and good paying – alternative.
• Educators: Spread the word with these resources — Educators seeking guidance in informing their students about a career in construction, or hoping to pass along the opportunity to join the Minnesota Trades Academy, can visit the Educators Resources page on the ConstructionCareers.org website.
• Stay in the know — Visit org for more information about the apprenticeship process and the benefits of joining a union and starting an apprenticeship. We welcome educators and counselors to reach out to CCF on LinkedIn, and to sign-up for the CCF e-newsletter for more stories and current events.

Construction Careers Foundation: Build Your Future with Your Own Hands

For more stories similar to this one, visit the CCF blog.

On October 20, 2023, the Construction Careers Foundation partnered with Saint Paul Public Schools and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 110 to provide middle school students with fun, hands-on construction career exploration and skill building.

St. Paul, Minnesota – To celebrate Careers in Construction Month 2023, the Construction Careers Foundation (CCF), a Minneapolis-St. Paul nonprofit dedicated to helping young people discover strong careers in construction, partnered with Saint Paul Public Schools TeenVenture, a non-school day program offered by Saint Paul Public Schools that focuses on career exploration for middle school students, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 110, for an event that engaged middle school students in fun construction trade skill building and exploration.

Careers in Construction Month is a nationwide, month-long celebration that recognizes the rewarding and well-compensated career paths available in the construction trades. Recognizing October as Careers in Construction Month generates awareness for the construction industry and helps promote career opportunities to individuals who may not have otherwise been exposed to construction as a career choice.

A representative from IBEW Local 110 shows students how to bend conduit.

In honor of Careers in Construction Month, IBEW Local 110 hosted 34 middle school students who learned about the electrical trades from current apprentices and journeyworkers. The day began with a presentation from union members about what a career in the electrical trades looks like. The conversation allowed students to hear real-life stories about life as a construction professional, and even begin to envision their adult selves in that role.

But it wasn’t all talk. At the event, students participated in real, hands-on learning activities. Union members facilitated activities for the students to explore basic electrical skills, such as wiring a doorbell and conduit pipe-bending. CCF also provided students with a take-home electrical circuit board kit so they can continue working on their newly acquired skills from home.

According to Laura Tracy, a journeyworker at IBEW Local 110, some students in attendance had planned on visiting a hair salon for their career exploration that day. When plans changed, those students ended up spending the morning at Local 110. Even though it wasn’t their first choice for that day’s career exploration, Tracy said, “Those students still ended up having a great time. It was great to see.”

Students practice wiring a doorbell under the supervision of journeyworkers from Local 110.

So, why is it so important for students gain exposure to careers in the construction trades at a young age? For both Minnesota trades unions and educators who wish to empower young people to create a future that they enjoy, the answer is clear:

“Career exploration is so important in middle school because that’s when students are starting to figure out what they like and don’t like,” said Lindsay Tallman, Program Director at CCF. “This is the age where young people really start to get an idea of what is out there for them in the world. If we can introduce them to the trades early on, more students may be inspired and interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry in the future. Unions are always saying that programming needs to start younger.”

Students practice wiring a doorbell at the IBEW Local 110 training center.

This isn’t the first time that CCF has partnered with TeenVenture. The Construction Careers Foundation (CCF) partnered with TeenVenture in April 2023, when they sent students to the Carpenters Training Institute in Saint Paul for more fun, hands-on learning. For educators or guidance counselors who seek to incorporate construction career education into their curriculum, Tracy has this advice:

“Programming such as this is so important so that young people can see there is another option besides going to college,” said Tracy. “I encourage educators to have information about careers in the construction trades available to students, especially regarding wages and what each trade has to offer.”

Connecting Young People and Educators with Careers in Construction Resources

Educators seeking guidance in informing their students about a career in construction, or hoping

to pass along the opportunity to join the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA), a paid summer construction experience for high school youth, can visit the Educators Resources page on the ConstructionCareers.org website.

Visit Constructioncareers.org for more information about the apprenticeship process and the benefits of joining a union and starting an apprenticeship. We welcome educators and counselors to reach out to us on LinkedIn, and to sign-up for our e-newsletter for more stories and current events.

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Witnessing a young person come into their own might just be one of the most rewarding experiences available to a mentor, regardless of the field, profession or industry. After a summer of supporting Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) interns through construction projects, visits to unions, and a few “lightbulb” moments — MTA Lead and educator Frank Williamson knows this well.

The Minnesota Trades Academy is a paid summer construction internship experience for Twin Cities-area high school youth with the goal of preparing youth for adulthood through skill development, and access to good jobs with good benefits in the construction industry. A former MTA lead recommended a teaching opportunity to Williamson based on his interests, introducing him to the Construction Careers Foundation and their mission to “increase the diversity of entrants into the construction trades and to enhance young people’s access to construction-related employment opportunities.”

During the school year, Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) Lead Frank Williamson works for Minneapolis Public Schools as a Special Education Assistant. He’s always gravitated toward areas of work that deal with equity and opportunity for students, understanding the importance of representation and making sure that every student’s needs are met.

Eager to continue teaching throughout the summer, Williamson got connected with MTA through Roosevelt High School. There, the construction lead was looking for a youth leader to join the team. Williamson was just the kind of person the school was looking for.

Frank Williamson inside the construction workshop at Roosevelt High School.

“This summer has been really fun. It’s been very rewarding to see the interns learn new skills and go around to all the different trade unions,” said Williamson. “I think it’s incredibly important to expose the interns to all these super great career avenues. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know.”

Williamson admires the effort and hard work that the interns put into their projects, day-in and day-out. The experience that MTA offers not only exposes young adults to the skill sets and innerworkings of the construction trades, but also connects them to mentors who are able to support the interns throughout their career exploration journey.

“Seeing that growth and the forming of relationships with the interns over the summer is the best part. They’re a cool group of interns, and it’s been fun for me to watch the kids grow and work together. It’s why I enjoy it and keep working with the program,” said Williamson.

Getting Better Together

When they aren’t visiting construction unions or companies across the metro, the construction shop at Roosevelt High School is the homebase for Williamson and his group of MTA interns. The large space gives the interns access to workshop tables; a variety of power, saw, and drill tools; and a collection of materials to use for projects such as wood and sheet metal.

Each intern is responsible for a summer project of their choosing, something that they make on their own by following instructions from a construction handbook. The choices range from assembling a unit of shelves, a birdhouse, plant box, or anything else interns can find in the handbooks. As the interns follow the directions, Williamson is there every step of the way, guiding them through the projects and answering any questions they have.

“These interns are being introduced to things that a lot of young people don’t have the opportunity to experience, so it’s just been really great hearing how excited they are about their projects,” said Williamson. “There are so many different skill sets that the trades encompass, and it’s been super great to see the interns explore their options.”

A collection of projects completed by MTA interns in the woodshop.

The more connections the interns can make between what they learn in their internship and real-life work situations, the more equipped they will be to take on projects, or jobs, in the real world. As the internship progressed, Williamson noticed the interns grow more self-aware, more outgoing, and more comfortable as they got introduced to the various local trades unions. The interns felt better about vocalizing their interests, asking for help with projects and theories, and started taking their motivation seriously.

“As the interns tried out new skills and got hands-on experience at these unions, they really started to resonate with it. They realized ‘hey, I’m good at this and I’m having fun and I can make money while doing it.’ One intern came up to me and was super amped about the finishing trades, and I saw them really brighten up and get excited about the opportunity. You can see the spark light up inside them, and it was really rewarding to share that moment with them,” said Williamson.

Exposure is the most important step to accessing a future in the construction trades. Getting students, teachers, and counselors involved with programs such as the Minnesota Trades Academy helps to produce a proactive environment for accessing more opportunities. As Williamson put it, it’s all about the connection and relationship between the student and the teacher, to create a safe space for growth where the student can explore the possibilities for their future.

EDUCATORS: GET INVOLVED TODAY

Educators seeking guidance in informing their students about a career in construction, or hoping to pass along the opportunity to join the Minnesota Trades Academy, can visit the Resources for Teachers page on the ConstructionCareers.org website.

STUDENTS AND PARENTS: CONNECT WITH RESOURCES AT CONSTRUCTIONCAREERS.ORG

Those seeking guidance on learning about a career in the construction industry can contact Charlie Gill Trades Navigator for the Construction Careers Foundation at charlie.gill@constructioncareers.org to receive personalized support in entering a career in the union building trades.

Students, parents, and educators can visit ConstructionCareers.org to explore 30+ careers in the union construction industry, have access to valuable information regarding apprenticeships, read about the experiences of current construction apprentices in Minnesota, and more.

The Minnesota Trades Academy sent their summer interns to Veit, one of the country’s leading specialty contracting companies, to get hands-on experience operating heavy-duty equipment.

Rogers, Minnesota – Over the course of the summer, groups of Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) interns visit local construction unions and companies to get hands-on experience in the trades. This summer, one such excursion took place at Veit, a specialty contracting and debris management company.

MTA Interns gather outside of Veit.

The Minnesota Trades Academy is a program funded and conducted by the Construction Careers Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the diversity of entrants into the construction trades and foster long-term construction careers. MTA is a summer internship program that supports this mission by offering paid summer construction internship experiences for high school youth. The goal of the program is to help youth prepare for adulthood through skill development, personal development, and knowledge on how to access good jobs with good benefits in the construction industry.

Veit is one of the country’s leading specialty contractors with more than 95 years of experience in the construction industry. Their specialty contracting services include demolition, excavation, earthwork, foundations, industrial cleaning, pipe rehabilitation, and marine construction. Veit partners with more than 60 unions across the country, widening its net to provide jobs to construction professionals across the United States.

“The work that we do here at Veit is very niche and unique. When students think about construction and the possibilities of construction careers, specialty contracting is kind of a hidden gem in the construction industry that we hope they will consider,” said Bri Ana Vogel, Talent Acquisition Manager at Veit. “The goal of our day with the MTA interns was to provide a hands-on experience for them to operate heavy equipment, not just in a simulation or a classroom setting.”

Connecting Youth with Industry Experts

All 41 of MTA’s 2023 summer interns arrived at Veit’s facility in Rogers, Minnesota on a hot summer day, ready for the day ahead. Vogel and her team met the interns at the entrance of Veit’s facility, splitting them up into two groups. Inside, interns were given a tour of the Veit facility before meeting with a panel of professionals. Outside, a machine operating exercise was set up for interns to try their hand at operating heavy-duty equipment under the supervision of experienced professionals.

The company’s facility is clad in all things Veit“green”. Interns walked up a green staircase and through a museum of restored, historical artifacts collected by owner Vaughn Veit, then made their way to a meeting room for a panel discussion.

The panel began with an introduction of Veit as a company, further explaining who they are and what specialty contracting is. The interns gained insight on what kinds of projects Veit has completed in the past, including laying the foundation for the Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail. By highlighting the specific jobs present on a construction site — such as laborers, operators, and pile drivers — interns were able to imagine what it might be like for them to have that job and consider if any given trade would make a good fit for their personalities, skills, and life goals.

The interns were then introduced to the professionals on the panel, including truck driver Ginger Lange, Business Agent for IUOE Local 49 Nate Sogge, Business Agent for North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) Noah Pratt, operator Michael Linneman, and piledriver Superintendent Chris Tjepkes. Each professional spoke about their personal experiences in the trades — how they got started, what they love about their career, and what responsibilities their specialties entail.

“The industry is changing. There are a lot of opportunities out there for me and other women in the trades,” said Lange, who is a strong advocate for educating young women about opportunities available for them in the construction trades.

“Contractors are willing to work with people who want to learn,” said Sogge, stressing the importance of hard work and dependability when seeking out jobs with contractors and unions.

Interns were eager to learn more, asking questions about the various routes an apprentice may take. The interns listened intently as each professional shared their career story, as well as information about their healthcare and retirement benefits, and the satisfaction they get from their work.

Tire Stacking and Digging With Veit

 For many of the interns, the real thrill of the day was getting to operate one of Veit’s heavy-duty machines. This sort of opportunity offers youth the rare chance to gain real hands-on exposure to handling construction equipment.

MTA interns waiting their turn to operate the machines.

MTA interns were ushered into Veit’s outdoor yard, busy with loading trucks, spare parts, and various operating machines. The experience started with a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) safety discussion led by a Veit professional, followed by stretching, which is something each of Veit’s crews take part in daily. There, a station was marked off with two different exercises, both of which allowed interns to learn key machine operating skills. One station involved an excavator and four rubber tires. In an arcade claw-machine-style experience, the interns competed to see who was the best at stacking the four tires on top of one another. The other exercise involved a 301.5 excavator sitting on top of a pile of dirt. The interns got to practice maneuvering the machine to dig and fill holes.

Beside each machine, a Veit professional was there to guide the interns through the exercises. One by one, an intern would enter the machine and get a quick run-down on the equipment’s controls and operating system. From there, it was up to the interns to move that machine!

A Veit professional guiding an intern while operating a 301.5 excavator.

Veit set aside one hour to make sure every intern got a chance to try out both machines. As one intern had a tire clasped inside the machine’s claw, others watched, cheering them on as they attempted to stack it on top of a tower of tires. Another intern couldn’t get enough of the 301.5 excavator machine, hopping in three different times to get the controls right and successfully move a pile of dirt from one place to another. He later told Veit that this is the job he wanted someday.

“Seeing those smiles on the intern’s faces as they were operating the machines – it’s the why behind what we’re doing today: to provide that hands-on, meaningful experiences to help impact and expand their future career choices,” said Vogel.

For youth attempting to decide which direction they want to take after high school — exposure is key. Educators seeking guidance in informing their students about a career in construction, or hoping to pass along the opportunity to join the Minnesota Trades Academy, can visit the Educator Resources page on ConstructionCareers.org.

CONSTRUCTION CAREERS FOUNDATION: CHOOSE YOUR PATH

For more resources regarding a career in construction, visit www.ConstructionCareers.org.

For more stories similar to this one, view the Construction Careers Foundation Success Stories page.

To explore careers at Veit, visit https://veitusa.com/careers/.

Roofers, terrazzo workers and finishers, and stonemasons are among the construction jobs in the United States with the fastest-growing wages as of 2023.

For a young person trying to choose a forever career, there are many factors to consider. What will the work-life balance be? What is my passion? How can I align my career with my purpose? What am I good at? Finally, will I make enough money to live the life I want to live?

That last one is a doozy. In fact, it’s arguably one of the biggest questions that a person will ask themselves in their young life. However, young people with an affinity for hands-on work can breathe a sigh of relief, because wages for the construction industry are indeed on the rise.

According to a recent report by Construction Coverage titled, “Construction Jobs With the Fastest-Growing Wages,” median weekly earnings for full-time construction and extraction occupations reached an all-time national high of $982 as of April 2023, up 7.6% from one year prior (compared to an inflation rate of 4.9% over the same time period).

This is compared to a 12-month percent change of -1.1% for weekly earnings for all employees in the United States during the same time period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Not to mention, the report notes that Minnesota and North Dakota were among the states with the highest average wages for construction and extraction jobs as of 2022. Fellow Midwest state, Illinois, lead the nation with a cost-of-living adjusted mean annual wage of $73,226 in 2022.

Career “pros and cons” list-makers and industry advocates alike should keep in mind that wages in the construction industry vary widely by occupation, more so than by location. For more resources regarding wages, key skills, success stories, and relevant contacts for the 30+ construction trades in Minnesota, visit the Careers page on www.ConstructionCareers.org.

For an inside look into the top 10 construction jobs with the fastest-growing wages in the United States, check out the table below or read the full report by Construction Coverage, here.

Source: Construction Coverage. For more information about each occupation, a detailed methodology, and complete results, see Construction Jobs With the Fastest-Growing Wages on www.constructioncoverage.com. 

Construction Careers Foundation: Find Your Place in the World by Building it

For more resources regarding wages, preferred skillsets, and relevant contacts for the 30+ construction trades in Minnesota, visit the Careers page on www.ConstructionCareers.org.

Educators seeking guidance in informing their students about a career in construction, or hoping to pass along the opportunity to join the Minnesota Trades Academy, can visit the Educator Resources page on ConstructionCareers.org.

For more stories similar to this one, view the Construction Careers Foundation blog or subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter.

Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) interns learn the importance of teamwork and dedication through the Minneapolis Plumbers JJATC.

Maple Grove, Minnesota – Look around. Our lives depend upon water and many other things that flow through pipes. And if you follow the pipes, you’ll see that plumbers are needed everywhere. Our homes, airports, food trucks, skyscrapers, apartment buildings, hospitals, stadiums – you name it – there is hardly an institution or structure that is not in need of highly professional plumbing services.

Like many trades in construction, plumbing is an essential and integral piece of our world that is often misunderstood. What the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) successfully implements is an opportunity for young adults to experience a deep introduction to the construction trades that they won’t find anywhere else – including the vast world of plumbing. The options for the future seem endless. That’s why exposure is the key to helping young people learn about opportunities in the trades.

​​The Minnesota Trades Academy is a program by the Construction Careers Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the diversity of entrants into the construction trades and foster long-term construction careers. MTA is a summer internship program that supports this mission by offering paid summer construction internship experiences for selected high school youth. The goal of the program is to help youth prepare for adulthood through skill development, personal development, and knowledge on how to access good jobs with good benefits in the construction industry.

Minnesota Trades Academy Interns Observe the mural at the Plumbers Local 15. The mural depicts artistic renditions of construction projects that Local 15 has assisted in completing.

The Minneapolis Plumbers Joint Journeyman & Apprentice Training Committee (JJATC), the training center for the Plumbers Local 15, is one of 269 locals spread across the nation. Local 15 has hosted MTA interns for several years now, inviting them into the facility to see what it takes to become a plumber. This grand establishment is filled with various spaces that simulate a plumbing worksite with mock piping systems and digging grounds full of gravel. The space also has a series of classrooms where apprentices attend safety and informational courses that diligently prepare them for their futures.

A Day in the Life of a Plumber

MTA interns arrived on site at the Minneapolis Plumbers JJATC at 9:00 am, phones tucked away, ready and willing to learn. One by one, interns introduced themselves to Terry Brathwaite, instructor at the Minneapolis Plumbers JJATC, who made one thing very clear, straight away: being a plumber is not a job, but a career.

Terry Brathwaite presents to MTA Interns in a classroom at Local 15.

“Anybody can do it, but not everybody wants to do it,” said Brathwaite. As a reminder that there are high-demanding requirements within the trade, interns are quickly introduced to the intense mental and physical aspects of being a plumber. It is not easy work – none of the trades are – but on the flip side, there is something extremely gratifying about working hard and seeing a tangible result from your work.

“With this trade, you have got to want it. You have to have the drive and dedication to push forward. You’re going to be paid well, compensated well, educated well – but you’re going to work for it. It’s not just going to be given to you,” said Trevor Ogilvie, Training Director for the Minneapolis Plumbers JJATC. “In the construction trades, you get that self-fulfilling worth because at the end of the day, you stand back and see not only what you did, but also what the other trades you coordinated with did as well. Everyone works together. This career provides a lot of self-worth and accomplishment.”

Ogilvie walked the MTA interns through the facility, showing them classrooms where apprentices take courses on mathematics and safety – two very important aspects in plumbing.

“Every piece of pipe you cut has measurements. Every hole you drill also has measurements — and they need to be exact,” said Ogilvie. “Having strong mathematical skills is very important.”

If math isn’t your strongest subject, don’t fret. Ogilvie said that many apprentices who didn’t enjoy math in school actually excel in the subject within the context of the apprentice training program, which makes a distinct connection between the numbers you write on a page and the physical outcome of a project.

Working in this trade comes with a responsibility to make sure you and your peers are safe on site. Plumbers are required to know basic safety procedures and attend yearly classes to make sure their certifications are up to date.

One area of the training center simulates the process of structuring plumbing for use in the medical industry – a specialized route in the plumbing trade that deals directly with hospitals and patient safety. As with any path in the trade, safety is an absolute priority when handling medical gas, and Ogilvie does not waste a beat to remind the interns about the importance of taking the job seriously.

Hands-On and Shovels Up

At the end of the tour, Ogilvie and Brathwaite put the MTA interns to work. The instructors take the interns to a dedicated training space, provided them with shovels, and sent them off to begin a digging task. MTA interns started moving their shovels, pushing around the gravel to uncover buried pipes. The area quickly fogged up with dust, yet the interns persevered and worked together to locate the hidden pipes.

Minnesota Trades Academy Interns dig to uncover pipes.

“They’re encouraged to be organized, outgoing, and positive, because it is a grind. When you’re digging or hauling pipes for days on end, you’ll need that drive and that good attitude or else you just won’t make it. You have to find a way to stay positive on the hardest days. So, by the time the project’s done, they’ve found a way to lift each other up and be positive together,” said Ogilvie.

Though every tradesperson is subject to hard work, some may encounter difficulties on-site that others do not. According to Brathwaite, when he first began working in the trades, he was often the only black man on a job site. This was discouraging and difficult for Brathwaite, who wanted to be accepted and valued for his work. Though he said the industry is much more diverse today, his advice to BIPOC young people on a job site is to, “Keep your square, and find that one thing that makes you get up every morning,” said Brathwaite.

No one should feel as though they have to work through these feelings alone. If you are struggling with inclusion on a job site, reach out to your union and inquire about finding community. Many construction unions have groups for underrepresented communities in the industry to find connection, support, and collective strength among one another.

Getting The Word Out

A career in plumbing is limitless. Plumbers have endless career opportunities available to them, whether that’s working at water treatment plants, providing medical gas to hospitals, designing a pipe system for an apartment complex, or building the next big stadium.

“In my short 23 years working as a plumber, I started as an apprentice, then I was a foreman, then I was a project manager, then I became an inspector, and now I’m a training director. There’s the inspection route, or you can also move on to be an estimator,” said Ogilvie. “You don’t know what opportunities are out there for you if you’re not exposed to them. It’s important that we teach the interns about every opportunity that’s available to them.”

Trevor Ogilvie stands proud next to a map of every United Association of Plumbers and Gasfitters local in the United States.

Spreading the word to schools, teachers, and students is just as important as informing interns. Local 15 JJATC and other training centers are always open for informational sessions and facility tours. Learning more about construction careers is essential, and preparing aspiring young adults with math skills, hands-on projects, and hard work is vital for a career in the trades.

“Whether young adults find out it’s for them or not for them, go tell someone else about it. Go spread the word, raise awareness: tell a cousin, a friend, whoever. Spread the opportunity out there to your peers so we can get rid of the stereotypes surrounding plumbing. That’s why I believe institutions like MTA are so important,” said Ogilvie.

Educators: Get Involved Today

Educators seeking guidance in informing their students about a career in construction, or hoping to pass along the opportunity to join the Minnesota Trades Academy, can visit the Educator Resources page on ConstructionCareers.org.

Construction Careers Foundation: Get the Resources You Need, Today

For more resources regarding a career in construction, visit www.ConstructionCareers.org.

For more stories similar to this one, view the Construction Careers Foundation Success Stories page.

Interns learn how theory meets practice, right on site at the Cement Masons Local 633 JATC.

New Brighton, Minnesota – It’s 9:30 am and the workday has just begun for Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) interns. Arriving on-site at the Cement Masons Local 633, interns prepare for a day of touring the cement masons’ facility and accomplishing two main tasks: learning the theory involved in a career as a cement mason and then applying that theory to the job.

The Minnesota Trades Academy is a program funded and conducted by the Construction Careers Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “increase the diversity of entrants into the construction trades and foster long-term construction careers.” MTA is a summer internship program that supports this mission by offering paid summer construction internship experiences for selected high school youth. The goal of the program is to help youth prepare for adulthood through skill development, personal development, and knowledge on how to access good jobs with good benefits in the construction industry.

Photo: Brian Farmer, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Cement Masons Local 633.

Brian Farmer, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Local 633, began the day by getting the interns up to speed and introducing them to the trade. Then, he got the interns pouring concrete as soon as possible. With almost 7 years under his belt working with MTA interns, Farmer notes the importance of hands-on, applied learning and creating respectful work environments that help get them ready for a future in the trades.

“I think the interns are amazing. From the second they come in, I can see they’re excited, but they still question – Am I going to enjoy this or not? So, we say, you guys are about to experience a day in the life of a cement mason. I try to schedule concrete to be here right when they arrive. They showed up at 9:30 today, so I had concrete at 10,” said Farmer. “Once concrete shows up, they go through the whole progression of a pour, to placement, to finish. They get to see the whole picture. Physically getting into the concrete, not knowing anything, and progressively just doing it the whole time is perfect.”

Everything is about exposure. Training centers like Local 633 offer MTA interns the opportunity to engage with a specific trade and learn about what goes into a career within that trade. An intern may take the day as an introduction to a new skillset, or it can spark a real interest in a career as a cement mason.

Photo: Brian Farmer and others hard at work at the Cement Masons Local 633 Training Center.

Before the interns started to pour the cement, Farmer began the day with stretching and bucket drills. The interns carried buckets filled with class 5 cement across the space, giving them a taste of what kind of physical exertion the job requires and warming them up for the job to come. If that’s too easy for them, Farmer gives them a handful of cinder blocks to carry back and forth too.

“We make it a race. We try to physically engage them first before we throw them right in the mix as far as the concrete goes – just something fun that we do. But also, if we don’t do something like that, we’re kind of shortchanging them or creating a false hope. It’s very physically demanding what we do. Concrete’s essentially our boss,” said Farmer.

Transparency is important when it comes to relaying expectations within a trade. Farmer makes sure to emphasize opportunities that various careers in the construction trades provide, such as an attractive wage, healthcare, a pension, and learning and taking pride in a highly lucrative skill set.

Where Theory Meets Practice

Before the work began at the Cement Masons Local 633, MTA interns are treated to a basic introduction to the trade by applying the technical information briefly lectured to them in the classroom. Farmer teaches them about the tools of the industry – how to use them, the mechanics, and the ergonomics. He also introduces them to concrete composition and the several different kinds of mixes cement masons use. It’s not expected that the interns grasp everything they have to show, so long as they begin to understand what the job entails.

“I tell the interns that the key to success is to be reliable and dependable. There is no prerequisite for anything as far as how much you have to know to get into a trade,” said Farmer. “Can you show up and be reliable, dependable, and teachable every day? And, as a bonus, come with a good attitude – that’s all it takes to be successful.”

Farmer got his start in the industry in high school, picking up concrete jobs during the summers in his hometown of South Peoria, Illinois. He’s worked on many significant projects since then, including locations such as Macalester University, Hamline University, Carleton College, and the Ordway.

Over the years, Farmer has gained insight on the changing industry, taking note of different work environments and finding balance in his personal and professional life. With more jobs available, more diversity, and more opportunities, young and aspiring workers have the ability to try things out and get the experience they need before choosing a path to follow. With people like Farmer, who are willing and able to show what a real experience is like in the trades, interns foster an honest understanding of what can be expected of them as young professionals.

It’s important to not only expose these interns to the trades, but also to provide schools, teachers, and students with exposure to what a career in construction really looks like. Construction careers are essential, and require expertise in skills such as math, hands-on labor, and the ability to perform hard work.

For educators who seek to increase their students’ awareness of a career in the construction trades, Farmer says Local 633 is always open for school tours and invites students and staff to come in and learn about the trade.

“The MTA program is so important. We’ve got to continue this,” said Farmer. “It’s my job to create that learning environment so the interns can thrive because the exposure for these kids is priceless.”

Construction Careers Foundation: Learn on the Job

For more resources catered to educators, students, and counselors, visit www.ConstructionCareers.org.

To read more stories similar to this one, visit the Construction Careers Foundation Success Stories page.

Saint Paul, Minnesota – In a system of traditional learning from lectures, textbooks, and slides, some students may find that their aspirations for a future career are not covered in school in a way that is conducive to their learning.

That’s part of the reason why the Minnesota Trades Academy has been so successful.

Photo: Jack Roessler and a fellow MTA Lead on the job.

Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) Lead and educator Jack Roessler believes hands-on experience and gaining a basic introduction to construction trades are critical to students’ development. He is dedicated to showing students that there are many career pathways and opportunities out there for them to explore.

Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) is a paid summer construction internship experience for high school youth with the goal of preparing youth for a fulfilling career in the construction trades through skill development and access to good jobs with good benefits in the construction industry. MTA supports the Construction Careers Foundation’s mission to “increase the diversity of entrants into the construction trades and to enhance young people’s access to construction-related employment opportunities.”

Roessler initially got connected to the program when a former MTA Lead recognized Roessler’s interest in youth career development and recommended that he work with the program. From a young age, Roessler learned the principles of hands-on experience and resourcefulness by working with his father and grandfather on their farm. Meanwhile, he gained a passion for education watching his mother’s work as an educator. He recently graduated from the University of Minnesota with an agricultural education degree and is now an agricultural educator at the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture, a charter school located in Vadnais Heights.

In his experience, Roessler feels there is a strong overlap between agriculture and construction as they both call attention to production and safety and require high levels of hands-on, technical skill. However, the biggest interest Roessler has in construction career preparation is the opportunity it offers for those who seek a different path out of high school that does not require a four-year degree.

Photo: Jack Roessler instructs MTA interns in a hands-on environment.

“I’m someone who really enjoys hands-on learning and the application side of things where students can learn something at school and go home and apply that knowledge immediately,” said Roessler. “To me, I think that is a fair representation of trades as a whole — of being able to learn on the job with your hands and apply the knowledge that you learn right away. When I heard about MTA and how they visit all these different trade unions and do hands-on learning – it paired together really well with my own experiences.”

As a Lead, Roessler teaches students the importance of gaining a strong team mentality, owning one’s responsibilities, building self-discipline, and creating a supportive and cooperative work environment. Roessler finds value in hands-on experience because it enables students to make mistakes and ask questions where they might not be able to find the answers on their own.

“I try to cultivate an expectation that you’re going to mess up and that’s okay. I think sometimes students put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform really well in the classroom, even if they don’t understand something,” said Roessler. “I don’t expect you to come in and know everything, but I need you to not be afraid of messing up. You need to take risks and you need to do something that you’re uncomfortable with – discomfort is where some of the biggest amounts of growth can happen.”

Setting High and Realistic Expectations at MTA

Unlike sitting down in a classroom at school, MTA is a learning and growth opportunity that has the expectations of a real job. Showing up on time, cleaning up after yourself, helping others, and wearing the correct working attire, all contribute to shaping students into reliable and successful workers in the trades.

Photo: Jack Roessler leads by example.

“For us at MTA, we hold students to the high expectations that unions and general contractors are going to have, but we’re also going to help you reach that expectation if you’re not there yet,” said Roessler. “We’re going to support you through the pressure as a summer intern and provide you with the knowledge that you’re going to need. There’s plenty of help and opportunity around, but you have to make sure to ask for it.”

After the second week of the program this summer, Roessler already started to see a change in his students simply from the routines and expectations being enforced. He’s pleased by the passion demonstrated by students with the questions they ask. How do primer and glue go together? What are the best work boots to buy? When you’re done cleaning up your station, where else can you offer help? Because of the mentorship environment that MTA has created, students can ask and receive real-time answers to the problems they face.

It’s all a part of the bigger picture – team mentality. Working in the trades means taking ownership of your work, pride, and safety alongside your co-workers to benefit the team. MTA exposes students to these working environments and nudges them in the right direction to make a seamless transition into the industry with a full-time job.

Extending a Helping Hand

As an educator, Roessler is deeply invested in the success of his students by helping them recognize their areas of improvement and giving them advice on how to move forward. He points out to students when others need help cleaning up or aids them on how to communicate problems or issues they may be having with a project.

Photo: Jack Roessler instructs MTA interns in a hands-on environment.

“I am not a huge fan of the term ‘Oh, well, that’s common sense’ because we all had to learn it at some point,” said Roessler. “I want to meet students wherever they’re at. My expectation is that we grow and improve from there together.”

Roessler’s teaching values align directly with MTA, in creating learning environments that offers a landscape of opportunity and support. For eight weeks out of the summer, students learn from multiple trade unions under a lead, getting real-world training that’s hard to experience without the guidance and knowledge of those who are familiar with the industry.

“There’s a ton of support. When it comes to how many different trade unions are willing to open their doors, welcome us in there, and take time out of their day, as well as some financial support donated by these unions and other protective equipment – there is just a lot of people coming together for these students. This really is such a fantastic trades program and I think it is going to be doing a lot of great work in the future,” said Roessler.

Educators: Get Involved Today

Educators seeking guidance in informing their students about a career in construction, or hoping to pass along the opportunity to join the Minnesota Trades Academy, can visit the Resources for Teachers page on the ConstructionCareers.org website.

Students and Parents: Connect with resources at ConstructionCareers.org

Those seeking guidance on learning about a career in the construction industry can contact Charlie Gill Trades Navigator for the Construction Careers Foundation at charlie.gill@constructioncareers.org to receive personalized support in entering a career in the union building trades.

Students, parents, and educators can visit ConstructionCareers.org to explore 30+ careers in the union construction industry, have access to valuable information regarding apprenticeships, read about the experiences of current construction apprentices in Minnesota, and more.

To learn more about the Minnesota Trades Academy, visit here.

High school career days make an impression on young people, but with so many presenters vying for students’ attention, young people can be drawn in different directions and not have adequate time to ask questions.

In April, Minnesota Trades Navigator Charie Gill hosted a panel event in which Minnesota Trades Academy alumni heard personal testimonials from four people involved in the construction trades. The event also created an opportunity for MTA alumni to network with one another. The panel was sponsored by Construction Careers Foundation a Twin Cities based nonprofit that hosts construction experience programming for K-12 students.

From Left to Right – Minnesota Trades Navigator Charie Gill, Polly Friendshuh, Dunwoody Academic Dean for Construction Science and Building Technology, Dante Vitullo, Pile Driver Instructor with the Carpenters Training Institute, Marcus Raines, Millwright Business Development Manager, and Deshawn Davis, a Minnesota Trades Academy alumnus and laborer journey worker.

Panelists in attendance included Polly Friendshuh, Dunwoody Academic Dean for Construction Science and Building Technology, Dante Vitullo, a Pile Driver Instructor with the Carpenters Training Institute, Marcus Raines, Millwright Business Development Manager, and Deshawn Davis, a Minnesota Trades Academy alumnus and laborer journey worker.

All of the panelists had experience working in the trades and spent a portion of their careers on construction sites across Minnesota.

“Each speaker today shared a different perspective on how a career in construction has shaped their lives,” Gill said. “What unites the Construction Careers Foundation, and all of our panelists is that we know the trades are a viable pathway to economic success and we want to share the value of a trades education with young people.”

Finding Empowerment and Purpose in the Trades

The panel highlighted representation in the trades and was built intentionally with a small Minnesota Trades Alumni – to construction professional ratio.

“We created a more informal, comfortable space so young people could ask professional trades workers questions about their careers questions but also learn about their trades journeys on a more personal level,” Gill said.

Gill prompted the panelists as they introduced themselves to alumni. She also outlined questions that focused on how panelists had learned about the trades, and what their experience was as a student, apprentice, or contract worker.

“We had questions procured but young people followed up with their own thoughts and the panel evolved into real organic conversations. That’s how relationships form,” Gill said. “I loved how our panelists gave personal anecdotes and offered their mentorship to our alumni.”

Entry Into the Construction Field

In addition to providing alumni with perspective on different construction career pathways, Gill and the panelists also provided workplace behavior expectations and asked how panelists handled adversity, disagreement or conflict.

For example, Friendshuh spoke to being the only woman electrician on the jobsite.

“I had people doubt my abilities,” Friendshuh said. “One time I arrived at the worksite and there wasn’t even a women’s bathroom for me to use.”

Friendshuh elaborated that even in uncomfortable or new spaces she made it known that she was going to continue to show up, get the job done, and exceed performance expectations.

“I was a single mother with a young daughter. When things were difficult at work, I focused on her. I studied hard and I demanded equal treatment,” Friendshuh added.

In her role as Dunwoody Academic Dean for Construction Science and Building Technology, Friendshuh continues to promote and foster relationships with the trades and local unions for the benefit of her students.

“The workplace is becoming more diverse and inclusive, things are changing,” Friendshuh said. “But we still need to make our presence known and support our coworkers on site.”

Minnesota Trades Academy Training Comes Full Circle

No one on the panel was better equipped to speak to the importance of MTA than laborer journey worker Deshawn Davis. Davis graduated from the Minnesota Trades Academy four years ago.

“The Minnesota Trades Academy gave me knowledge of the careers in the industry and the mentors were there to answer my questions and help me through the application process,” Davis said. “Good job to everyone who showed up for the panel today, being able to show up on time and prepare to learn is what leaders want to see on a job site.”

Click here for more information on the Minnesota Trades Academy program. To explore more than 30 construction trades visit our Careers page.

Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit, is expanding its Minnesota Trades Academy and Learn2Build programs to more Minnesota elementary, middle, and high schools.

The Minnesota Trades Academy is a paid summer construction internship program that is currently available to high school students that live in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, North Minneapolis, and Ramsey County.

“This year we are interviewing students from Roseville Area High School,” said Lindsay Tallman, the Construction Careers Foundation’s Program Director. “Our Minnesota Trades Navigator Charie Gill is doing specific outreach to some students in the outer ring suburbs of the Twin Cities, too.”

The Learn2Build program focuses on exposing elementary and middle school students to construction principles through hands-on S.T.E.A.M. and art projects. Historically, Learn2Build partnered with a variety of schools in the Twin Cities. However, starting in February, Paladin Career and Technical High School and Flipside at Capitol Hill Magnet School hosted weekly Learn2Build programming for students.

“Learn2Build camps are sometimes a single-day event for a school. In the summer, we might have programming run for three consecutive days for campers,” Tallman said. “We know students have fun building the projects and this year, we integrated weekly visits to schools over a month or more. Students look forward to a new building project each week and are learning and repeating introductory construction skills such as measuring or reading blueprints.”

Tallman totes great results from the month-long programs.

More than 28 students participated in Paladin Career and Technical High School’s Learn2Build sessions. Students built bird feeders, marshmallow launchers and cement stools. They also received training on how to tile and build out electrical circuit boards.

“At Paladin, many students already know they want to work in the construction trades, and many are unsure what trade specifically but know they enjoy working with their hands,” Tallman said. “Our introduction to construction motivated participants to explore careers in construction and better understand what high school courses they can take to hone their skills. Paladin Career and Technical High School was great to work with and is dedicated to supporting its students and their trades career goals.”

Similar projects were offered to students at Capitol Hill Magnet School, located in St. Paul.

“Having a local community partner like Flipside to help coordinate after-school programming allows us to really focus on nailing the construction experience and information students get. We are grateful to have so many community partners and schools eager to bring awareness to the construction industry.”

Learn2Build Partners with Minnesota Girl Scouts  

Learn2Build’s partnerships extend beyond the classroom to local Girl Scout troops, too. A Power Girls event, hosted by the Girl Scouts River Valley, attracted more than 40 girl scouts for a Learn2Build experience in February.

“The event focused on teaching carpentry skills and the scouts followed blueprints to create and decorate take-home bird houses,” Tallman said. “I was really impressed with how many volunteers supported the event, from educators and parents to Dunwoody Technical College carpentry students and industry professionals.”

Classrooms to career fairs – Count us in!

Construction Careers Foundation programming runs year-round and is focused on reaching young people in middle school and high school. If your school is interested in hosting a Learn2Build event or series, contact Lindsay Tallman at lindsay@constructioncareers.org. Tallman and the Construction Careers Foundation team can visit your school or classroom for individualized presentations or career fairs. Learn more at ConstructionCareers.org.

Construction industry trades workers excel at multiskilling and have high job satisfaction, according to Dr. Tim Taylor, Research Director for the National Center for Construction Education.

In a related study, construction workers report higher levels of job satisfaction than all other industries combined, according to data from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. As little as 86 percent and up to 89 percent of people working in the construction trades like their jobs.

What may be even more surprising is this story isn’t new. High job satisfaction in the construction trades has consistently been reported, even during tumultuous economic times, since 1974.

“One reason for that may be the combination of pay and flexibility that this career path offers. While just over nine percent of craft professionals are trained in more than one skill area, the availability of a multiskilled craft workforce has steadily increased since 2005, and the trend is expected to continue into 2030,” Taylor said.

Trades Professionals Seek Additional Skills Training

Multiskilling is driven by current worker demand. Many trades professionals are motivated to become multiskilled workers. They’re motivated by more consistent employment, higher wages, more challenging work, and an interest in learning new skills.

According to research conducted by the Construction Industry Institute, the most important workforce development element is the industry’s (union, shop, foreman) commitment to providing a formal craft skills training program. The contractors, owners, and other training professionals that participated in the study shared the same perception towards the importance of including multiskilled workforce development in training programs.

In March, researchers at the University of Colorado-Boulder and the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) presented the top 10 dual-skill pairings among craft professional populations between 2005 and 2019.

• Rigger and pipefitter
• Rigger and boilermaker
• Boilermaker and pipefitter
• Pipefitter and ironworker
• Pipefitter and instrumentation electrician
• Ironworker and carpenter
• Pipefitter and crane operator
• Scaffold and insulation
• Ironworker and crane operator
• Pipefitter and millwright

ConstructionCareers.org features more than 30+ union Minnesota trades and apprenticeship programs. Pipefitter, boilermaker, ironworker, and many other of the multiskilled crafts listed above have trade-specific information found on the Careers page.

Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) alumni have the construction knowledge and skills to land a career in the trades, now it’s just up to the interview.

“Interviewing is sometimes the most intimidating part,” said Construction Careers Foundation Trades Navigator Charie Gill, who works with Minnesota Trades Academy interns to prepare for a career in construction. “It’s hard to let your guard down around someone you don’t know, especially when you’re nervous and trying to make a good impression.”

While the Minnesota Trades Academy is an 8-week paid summer construction internship devoted to introducing Minnesota high school students to careers in the construction trades, Gill and Minnesota Trades Academy Program Director Lindsay Tallman are continuing to build the summer network this school year through a series of MTA alumni events.

This casual extension of the program gives MTA interns the opportunity to stay connected with their peers from school, summer coworkers, and peers with common interests.

The Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit, funded the MTA alumni evening of dinner, networking, and games at the Frogtown Community Center in St. Paul.

“This event was important for our alumni because we created an environment for our young people to see other construction professionals and trades educators as just human – and open up to each other,” Gill said.

“It’s one thing to tell interns to be themselves when it comes time for an interview,” Tallman said. “They know the trades work, so we wanted to build confidence for the interview process.”

Sixteen MTA alumni attended the event. Interns ranged in age from 16 to 21 and came from White Bear Lake, Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.

“Watching alumni excited to come to another event was exciting for us; I can tell we’re building a community,” Tallman said.

To reintroduce interns to each other and to construction professionals and mentors, Gill organized a series of Minute-To-Win-It games.

“These games get youth out of their heads and into their bodies, so everyone is present, laughing and working as a team,” Gill said.

Consider the Ice Broken

“The second half of the night was our ‘Consensus workshop,’ where we asked the alumni what support they need to reach their desired career in construction,” Gill said. “It was a more serious discussion, but the alumni were ready to share.”

Answers ranged from addressing transportation barriers such as buying a vehicle to the process of following up after an interview and building a professional network.

“Creating a safe space for young people to share their concerns and obstacles gives us a new perspective on what we can bring to the table as their community of mentors and supporters,” Gill said. “We’ll be finding more, new ways to support them on their journeys.”

Gill and Tallman plan to continue hosting events for Minnesota Trades Academy Alumni.

“We can introduce MTA alumni to a network of professionals keeping in mind that many will be getting hired this spring, soon they will be trades professionals themselves and they’ve already started building a network in the trades,” Tallman said.

Questions about the Minnesota Trades Academy?

Connect with Lindsay Tallman at lindsay@constructioncareers.org.

To read stories about Minnesota Trades Academy intern experiences, visit the Success Stories page on ConstructionCareers.org.

To explore more than 30+ careers in the construction industry, visit CCF’s Careers page.

When talking about post-secondary education opportunities with your students, are you giving trade schools and apprenticeship programs the same weight as college or military service?

Understanding the language of the trades Journeyworker = Bachelor’s Degree

Journeyworker is a title earned in construction when a person has mastered the skills and competencies required for a specific occupation, such as electrician, pipefitter or plumber. In construction, these skills are built and recognized by certificates and licenses, in addition to the completion of a registered apprenticeship program.

“Earning a college degree, typically takes between three to five years — the same time required for a construction apprentice to earn journeyworker status,” said Associate Director for the Construction Careers Foundation Mary Stuart. “For example, in Minnesota, it takes three to five years to become a pipefitter, and four years to become an ironworker.”

Postsecondary education to reach journeyworker status includes both on-the-job and in-person lectures, testing, and training.

However, education in the trades doesn’t have to end at journeyworker. Just as some people seek out higher education in the form of a master’s program, construction professionals can earn the title of master craftsperson with an additional few years of training and testing.

“The Construction Careers Foundation is working directly with local high schools throughout the Twin Cities metro area to raise awareness of the 30+ construction trade career paths our state has to offer,” Stuart said. “The trades literally build the world around us and we want to offer students insight on apprenticeship so they can decide if it may be a better fit than college.”

Resources for Understanding Apprenticeship

In Minnesota, the Twin Cities nonprofit Construction Careers Foundation offers an apprenticeship breakdown for young people and guardians. A visit to the Careers page, provides information about each available apprenticeship program, wages, benefits, and information on how a student can build skills for a construction career in high school.

Just as important as understanding the training and education requirements for apprenticeship is knowing that within each career in construction there are multiple pathways for individuals to advance to senior management. As shown in NCCER’s interactive career pathways chart, apprenticeships provide similar career advancement opportunities to those with college degrees, and, in fact, more people in the construction industry go from an entry-level job to CEO or owner of their own company than any other industry.

Now is the Time to Choose a Career in Construction

“It’s imperative that we talk about apprenticeship as a  valuable education and career pathway – because it is,” Stuart said. “Not only does it provide another choice for young people other than college or military service, but our construction industry faces a growing skills gap with current professionals retiring.”

Source: Construction Labor Market Analyzer, 2022.

Educators, mentors, and guardians – if you have additional questions about careers in Minnesota’s construction industry or how to get your students started in exploring careers in construction contact Construction Career Foundation Program Manager Lindsay Tallman, lindsay@constructioncareers.org.

Educators and students: Here are a number of upcoming apprenticeship deadlines to apply for a construction apprenticeship with several Minnesota building and construction trade unions:

Consider a Career as a Plumber

Minnesota’s plumbing industry is growing. Plumbers provide medical gas installation in hospitals, clinics, and dialysis units. They work in new residential and commercial construction, remodeling and updating the plumbing in existing buildings, and provide valuable troubleshooting.

Visit the Plumbing Career Page on ConstructionCareers.org to explore plumbing wages, benefits, and union locations.  

“The United Association of Plumbers and Gasfitters Local Union #15 , provides excellent training for young people interested in pursuing a career in the plumbing industry,” said Associate Director for the Construction Careers Foundation Mary Stuart. “Local 15 has more than 45 industry-certified instructors dedicated to the trade. They provide a quality education for those who participate in Local 15’s apprenticeship program along with mentoring offered by journeyworkers and master plumbers.”

Interested in signing up for an apprenticeship with Local 15?

Here’s the process for applying for an apprenticeship as a plumber or gasfitter:

The Minneapolis Plumbers JATC will take applications for both the Minneapolis and St. Cloud apprenticeship programs on January 9-26, 2023, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, Monday – Thursday.

Applicants must bring a copy of their high school diploma, transcripts, or GED.

Applications are only accepted in person. Walk-in only, no appointments. Face coverings are not currently required but are always permitted. We reserve the right to require face coverings at any time if deemed appropriate. We encourage all students, employees, and visitors to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations for handwashing, sanitizing workstations, and social distancing.

After applying, candidates take a criteria exam that includes reading, arithmetic, and mechanical knowledge. Plan for about 1-1/2 hours to apply and take the tests. 

For more information view the Future Applicant page.

For further questions about the process or what work as a plumber entails, please contact the Minneapolis Plumbers Apprenticeship Program for more information regarding classes, schedules, and training information.

Contact Information:

Minneapolis Plumbers
Apprenticeship Program
Phone 612-374-5262

Location:  8625 Monticello Ln N, Suite 2, Maple Grove MN 55369.

*Please enter at the north entrance, under the Training Center awning.

Website: Plumbers Local 15

Consider a Career as a Heat and Frost Insulator

Heat and frost insulators install mechanical insulation solutions in some of the most challenging environments: nuclear plants, military facilities, manufacturing and chemical plants, retail malls, hospitals, universities, educational buildings, and more. 

The men and women of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators, Local 49 (based in Duluth, Minn.) are on the front line in meeting the challenges of building a safer, healthier, greener, and more efficient world.

Visit the Heat and Frost Insulator Career Page on ConstructionCareers.org to explore plumbing wages, benefits, and union locations.

“Industrial, commercial, residential, and government users all demand new levels of energy efficiency, and state-of-the-art fire safety, to live and work and Local 49 educates heat and frost insulating professionals to meet these demands,” said Stuart.

Interested in signing up for an apprenticeship with Local 49?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a heat or frost insulator, here’s the process to follow:

Interested individuals should visit the union’s office at 2002 London Road, Suite 210, Duluth, Minnesota, to sign up for the apprenticeship program. Make sure to call ahead about available office hours at 218-724-3223. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, bring their driver’s license, provide their Social Security Number and if they have OSHA 10 or 30 training (bring a certificate of completion).

Pre-Apprentice registration is required. After a person has expressed interest and has signed up with the Joint Apprenticeship Committee, their name will be added to the list of registrants. PLEASE NOTE: This is not an announcement of employment, nor one of an apprenticeship vacancy. The Joint Apprenticeship Committee maintains a list of all registrants. If opportunities develop, only persons that have registered will be considered.

When selected as a pre-apprentice, candidates must work a minimum of 160 hours in the field as a permit helper. Call 218-724-3223 to get connected with teams in the field as a permit helper.

Apprentice candidates must also take a skills assessment, which requires eligible candidates to perform basic arithmetic.

If you have any further questions about the process or what work as an insulator entails, please contact the Local 49 JATC office for more information regarding the apprenticeship program, including the process, classes, schedules, and training information.

Camps, sports, and daylong activities are a few popular ways for high school students to stay active and meet new friends in the summer. However, when the school year starts many of these relationships can fall away until the next year.

But for Twin Cities youth eager to get paid as an intern learning hands-on construction skills, meeting new friends is inevitable and grounded in the common interest of building something with one’s own hands.

The Twin Cities nonprofit Construction Careers Foundation developed the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) to introduce local high school students to a variety of careers in Minnesota’s construction industry and over eight weeks equip interns with the skills they need to pursue a career in the construction trades.

Over the past 10 years, the Minnesota Trades Academy has evolved program branches in White Bear Lake, Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.

“Each year we set goals for the Minnesota Trades Academy program,” said Construction Careers Program Director Lindsay Tallman. “This year focused on the intern voice. We wanted to check in with interns individually throughout the summer session and follow up with them during the school year to hear their feedback and recommendations for the program and learn how we can continue to support them on their educational journey.”

Top Golf is a Top Tier Time

Tallman and Construction Careers Foundation team member Charie Gill organized a Top Golf event in Brooklyn Center to reconnect this summer’s class of Minnesota Trades Academy interns.

More than 12 interns representing the Brooklyn Center, White Bear Lake, St. Paul, and Minneapolis cohorts attended the event.

“We knew some intern groups stayed in touch over the summer, but from our first alumni event it’s clear that the friendships they built lasted into the school year,” Tallman said. “One student even walked an hour just to meet up with his peers. We learned many of the interns hang out after school and take classes together and it’s evident they have built strong friendships and support each other.”

Tallman plans to continue scheduling time for interns to reconnect because the cohorts include students from a variety of backgrounds and school districts. Interns range in age from 16 to 22.

“We also were excited to have some Minnesota Trades alumni from prior years attend the Top Golf event,” Tallman said. “It means a lot to us that people who experienced our program years ago still see its benefit and feel that the experience helped them gain job skills and resources to shape their future, it’s also rewarding to see that we’re building an MTA network; everyone has a shared experience and so interns can ask the older alumni questions about their current careers, lifestyles, and plans.”

Supporting Twin Cities Youth

“The high school experience is difficult. We expect a lot out of young people, and we know the pressure to make big life decisions can come from family members, peers, and professors,” Tallman said. “Our vision is to continue hosting these MTA meet-ups so our interns know we are here for them, even after the summer construction session has ended.”

Tallman said establishing regular meetups for the intern classes holds interns accountable for exploring their pathway options after graduation, whether that be pursuing a career, a university education, the military, or a technical degree.

For some youths, the pathway to a career in construction is not always linear. Tallman acknowledges that support for some young people might look like setting up interviews with union apprenticeship coordinators, while for others, support may come in the form of helping them apply for a job at a local hardware store to become familiar with tools or helping them enroll in driver’s education courses.

By continuing to meet with the Minnesota Trades Academy interns, Construction Careers Foundation team members hold themselves accountable to follow up with youth in the program and provide them with a network of mentors in the construction trades and people they can reach out to for career advice.

“As we continue to coordinate training, events, and paid internships for young people in the construction field we need to give them a voice at the table,” Tallman said. “Whether interns graduate from the Minnesota Trades Academy knowing a career in construction is for them or wait to graduate high school and are serious about starting a career, we are creating spaces for them to gather, share their thoughts and help us make decisions to better the program experience for future interns.

Questions about the Minnesota Trades Academy? Connect with Lindsay Tallman at lindsay@constructioncareers.org.

To read stories about Minnesota Trades Academy intern experiences, visit the Success Stories page on ConstructionCareers.org.

To explore more than 30+ careers in the construction industry, visit CCF’s Careers page.

Please join the Construction Careers Foundation in celebrating the 8th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), November 14-20, 2022.

National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship in rebuilding the economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities.

Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, the Construction Careers Foundation, a Minneapolis-St. Paul nonprofit will share numerous stories of real-life construction professionals who have built their careers with their own two hands through local union apprenticeships. Read and share our Success Stories here.

The Apprenticeship Pathway

“Apprenticeship is a form of education where people get paid to learn construction trades skills,” said Associate Director for the Construction Careers Foundation Mary Stuart. “Most apprenticeship programs run between three and five years and are often more cost-effective than a traditional university-style learning.”

Another benefit to apprenticeships is the learning style uses a hands-on approach. Based on the nature of the work, the construction apprentices model spends part of their time in the classroom and the other half of the time in the field applying their knowledge on worksites across Minnesota.

“Once a person completes their apprenticeship they may take a licensure test or skills test to be certified as a journey worker,” Stuart added. “But throughout the apprenticeship process, apprentices get paid and receive benefits from their union such as healthcare and a pension.”

Discover if an apprenticeship is the right choice for you. View our apprenticeship pathway to the trades chart.

Build your Career with an Apprenticeship

More than 30 building and construction trade unions are located in Minnesota and many offer apprenticeship programs.

“Discovering which trade is right for you is a lot like picking out high school elective classes,” Stuart said. “Invest time in researching the trades, learn what conditions they work in, what skills they need to do the job right, and take note of what kinds of job sites they work on.”

ConstructionCareers.org offers information on various construction trades, such as pipefitting, plumbing, ironworking, carpentry, and much more.  Find more information on the Careers page.

Educators Invited to Take Part in National Apprenticeship Week

“National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity for educators to highlight how Registered Apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, provides a pipeline for long-term careers,” Stuart said. “Construction apprenticeships are not just an important career pathway for apprentices but also address greater workforce challenges, help rebuild our country’s infrastructure and clean energy and alleviate continued supply chain demands.”

After checking out ConstructionCareers.org, consider registering for one of the Minnesota Department of Labor’s #NAW2022 events. Click here for the weeklong event listings. 

Minnesota Trades Academy mentor Paul Focht-Perlberg draws on personal experience to ensure that each of his students has an equal opportunity to learn in the way that works for them.

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Paul Focht-Perlberg knows that not every student comes to school each day equipped with the same passions, confidence levels, skill sets, or even styles of learning.

The Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) mentor and Physical Education teacher at Southwest High School strives to make sure every student knows that there is a place for them in education, regardless of whether their learning style is suited to the standard lecture format or otherwise.

“So many of my students and interns are hands-on learners, not listen-to-lecture learners,” said Focht-Perlberg. “Hands-on or project-based learning is something that is missing from many schools, but meeting students where they are is so valuable. Every student is important. Every student should have a voice and it’s my job to help them find that voice.”

Focht-Perlberg first got connected with the Minnesota Trades Academy, a paid-summer construction internship for high school students, eight years ago through a fellow educator at Southwest High School who was also an MTA mentor.

“When we got talking about the program,” said Focht-Perlberg, “I thought, ‘This is an amazing opportunity for kids and they should really be able to know about this. And that is why I got involved.”

The Minnesota Trades Academy is one of several programs offered through the Construction Careers Foundation (ConstructionCareers.org), a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based nonprofit dedicated to helping young people discover careers in construction.

How Students Learn Matters

This educator understands first-hand what it means for a student to carry incredible talent and potential, but simply lack access to a method of learning that works for them.

A hard worker, attuned learner, and generous and charismatic spirit, anyone who knows Focht-Perlberg would be surprised to learn that he struggled academically in high school. He studied hard and he cared about the material, but something just didn’t seem to click. According to Focht-Perlberg, it was his strong relationship with his teachers that got him through.

After high school, Focht-Perlberg studied at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater, where his struggle continued. Until one day, when he finally got an answer that changed his life for good.

“When I was a sophomore in college, I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia,” recalled Focht-Perlberg. Dyslexia and dysgraphia are neurological disorders that make it incredibly difficult for students to comprehend material through reading or writing. “I had been tested in high school, but the person that tested me told me I just needed to study harder.”

While studying ‘harder’ was redundant advice to give to Focht-Perlberg, who was already a dedicated worker, learning to study in the way that worked for him made all the difference. After his diagnosis at 19 years old, Focht-Perlberg began working with a tutor, “to figure out how to learn in the way that actually works for my brain.” Little did he know that this diagnosis would all but change this educator’s life.

“Once I started listening to books on tape and could hear words instead of reading them, things started to make a lot more sense and I was able to get through school much easier,” said Focht-Perlberg. “Once I realized I could change the way I was learning information, I was able to finish my degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Physical Education License, and that brought me to where I am today.”

Transforming Self-Esteem Through Resources and Mentorship

The relevance of Focht-Perlber’s experience with a learning disability to his current work with the Minnesota Trades Academy, as well as in his role as a Physical Education teacher, is not lost on this educator.

“The mentality I stress to my students is: let’s try something first before we say that we can’t do it, then after that, let’s try again,” said Focht-Perlberg. “Even if a student doesn’t have the strength or skillset yet, if they keep pushing forward, they learn that there isn’t just one way to achieve a goal; they can get stronger or build a new skill by learning it a different way.”

Focht-Perlberg has seen a lack of assimilation to a particular style of learning manifest as insecurity for so many of his students. The educator recalls having girls in his program tell him that they cannot do something because they aren’t strong enough, students with learning disabilities who internalize their academic struggles as a lack of intelligence, and more throughout his career.

For so many students, lecture-style learning is simply not conducive to their learning style, but once they have the chance to participate in hands-on projects through MTA, they thrive.

“Every day as a mentor for MTA, I see those ‘Aha!’ moments happen. When students are trying something completely new, they struggle at first, but once they discover they can actually do it, they realize it’s really cool,” said Focht-Perlberg. “I recently had a group of students make a coat hanger out of a pipe. Watching the kids realize, ‘Oh my gosh. I can actually do this,’ is so rewarding. It can change their life.”

Building Confidence…and a Life-Long Career

The nuanced, individualized pedagogy that Focht-Perlberg employs is not only critical for self-esteem, but for readying students for a life-long career that suits their personality, skillset, and financial goals.

“I speak with so many kids that are unsure what they want to do after they graduate,” said Focht-Perlberg. “Then I bring up the Minnesota Trades Academy and we talk about all the different trades. I explain that we go and see job sites in real life and describe the money that students can make with a career in construction. The kids are surprised that they can make such a high wage without going to college. I see them immediately go from feeling defeated to hopeful. It’s a really cool program.”

The Minnesota Trades Academy simulates real-world representation of what a career in construction looks like, so students who are visual and hands-on learners can understand first-hand what it feels like to have a career in the trades. For some students, this makes all the difference.

“If I had a program like MTA when I was in high school, I might have gone into construction as a career,” said Focht-Perlberg. “I am so glad to be doing the work I am doing and helping students the way that I am helping them now. This is an awesome program, and I just hope that more kids can try it out because it really does make a difference.”

Find Your Path with the Construction Careers Foundation

www.ConstructionCareers.org is the leading source of information for exploring a career in the Minnesota construction trades.

To learn more about the Minnesota Trades Academy or get involved, visit this page.

For access to key resources involving a career in construction, specifically catered to educators, visit this page.

Saint Paul, Minnesota – Whether he is drawing a work of art, crocheting a hat, or building a footstool, 16-year-old Jakote Saint James loves any activity that allows him to rework materials to create something new.

“You have to make sure you enjoy the process,” said Saint James. “If you don’t enjoy making something step by step, then you won’t enjoy the end as much.”

Recently, Saint James stumbled upon a new passion of his through his participation in the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA), a paid summer internship opportunity for high school-aged youth designed to help youth gain valuable skills and explore careers in the construction industry. The Minnesota Trades Academy is one of several programs offered through the Construction Careers Foundation, a Minneapolis-St. Paul nonprofit is dedicated to introducing young people to careers in construction (ConstructionCareers.org).

“I heard about MTA from my sister, who was thinking of joining the Minnesota Trades Academy as well. I love working with my hands and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get paid to do just that,” said Saint James. “In school, you don’t hear as much about the trades, but once you start going into job sites and seeing what they do, it helps to open your eyes to more job opportunities that align with your passions that don’t require you to go to college, which never interested me.”

MTA Pays Students to Gain Skills, Fine-Tune Passions Through Real-World Experience

Even though college never felt like a good fit for Saint James, who prefers more hands-on, project-based learning, his time at the Minnesota Trades Academy helped him to see the connection between the subjects he found interesting in school and the real-life work he will be doing once he graduates.

“In school, my favorite class is definitely science. It is very interesting learning about chemicals and making weird concoctions,” said Saint James. “I see subjects like science and math in a new light now because I understand that to succeed in certain trades you must know how electricity works. To be a sheet worker, for example, you need to learn the equations they use to make refrigerators.”

One thing that Saint James enjoyed the most about his time as an intern for the Minnesota Trades Academy, was getting connected to people he could see as role models for his career.

“At the carpenters union we got to work side-by-side with real apprentices,” said Saint James. “It was great to see those role models, knowing they were close to, or around, our ages.”

After working alongside journeyworkers and apprentices and visiting job sites and training centers for a handful of Minnesota-based local unions and construction firms, Saint James discovered that, of all the trades, carpentry clicks the most for him.

“To me, success would be to sit and enjoy something you created; to be able to finish something like a stadium, and look at it and think, ‘I did that,’” said Saint James. “When we went to the carpenters union and they let us try doing what they do, a lightbulb went off for me. Doing that hands-on work really sparked a passion in me.”

For any high school students considering a career in the trades, Saint James has one piece of advice: Just try it out.

“In the trades, there are so many opportunities and options. The Minnesota Trades Academy helps you narrow down what you want to do because you get to try everything out,” said Saint James. “You get to work with a crew to learn new things, learn how to measure, use a hammer and more. If you want to be able to get a nice look into the trades or if you are a hands-on person, MTA is for you.”

Construction Careers Foundation: Connecting Youth to Strong Careers They Love

To read more stories similar to Jakote Saint James’, visit the Success Stories page on ConstructionCareers.org.

To learn more about the Minnesota Trades Academy, click here.

To explore more than 30+ careers in the construction industry, visit CCF’s Careers page.

SAINT PAUL —  16-year-old Htoo Kbri is gifted with a fantastic eye for precision, coupled with a strong drive to be out in the world, not sitting idly in a cubicle or classroom.

Kbri is currently enrolled in Washington Technology Magnet High School, where he channels his interests into his favorite subject: CIS Calculus. Outside of his scholarly ambitions, the high school junior takes part in his school’s auto shop program and runs the 3,000-meter (1.86 miles) race for the school’s cross-country team. All of these activities require endurance, perseverance and discipline – all skills he plans to put to work in a career as an electrician.

“It is my dream to be an electrician, more specifically a lineworker,” said Kbri. “My brother does renovation for the Bridge Division for the City of Saint Paul, so that is how I got introduced to the idea.”

Lineworkers install and maintain electrical systems that provide power to a community. In the event of a lightning, snow, wind, or rain storm, lineworkers lend emergency repair services to electrical lines damaged by the storm. It was during Kbri’s experience as an intern for the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA), that he realized that he wanted a highly technical, exciting and hands-on was solidified. The MTA is a summer paid internship program that provides rich, educational, hands-on experiences to help youth learn about construction as a career choice.

“When we visited the Ironworkers Union, we got to do some welding, which was really cool,” said Kbri. “But my favorite part was when we used a harness to go on a beam, first three feet and then 10 feet in the air. It was really exciting.”

MTA Internship Illuminates Career Goals for Interns

Kbri sought out the MTA program after becoming curious about a career in the trades and discovering his school did not offer many construction-based courses.

“MTA is a great program to learn more about the trades,” said Kbri. “At school, they don’t talk about careers in the trades much. I signed up for the program because I wanted to learn more about the trades and explore which one would be a good fit for me.”

Kbri’s experience in MTA also helped the student gain an understanding of how he will use his favorite subject, math, in his real-world career post-graduation.

“At one of the training centers, the journeyworkers gave us a worksheet where you have to measure something to the sixteenth of an inch,” said Kbri. “They test you on how precise you can be and I did really well. It made me feel inspired and confident that this was something that I could achieve.”

Channeling Natural Talent into a Strong Career

Another aspect that Kbri is considering is what goes into a career. Yes, it’s important to do what you love. But it’s also important to be well supported, too. Kbri, is pleased to know that  he can gain job security and build a strong livelihood by focusing on a career in construction.

“At the different trades centers, they all talk about the benefits of getting an apprenticeship in the construction industry like the good pay, health care, and a pension plan,” said Kbri. “Success for me means that I will be able to live comfortably and buy whatever I want, and I will be able to achieve that with a career in construction.”

Construction Careers Foundation: All Your Questions, Answered

To read more stories similar to Htoo Kbri’s, visit the Success Stories page on ConstructionCareers.org.

To learn more about the Minnesota Trades Academy, click here.

To explore more than 30+ careers in the construction industry, visit CCF’s Careers page.

Saint Paul, Minnesota – Twenty-one-year-old Isra Saleh is a creative powerhouse. A talented singer and member of the MKDC KPOP dance team, where she shares her moves with more than 36k followers on Instagram, it was only a matter of time before her creative potential expanded into another interest.

For Saleh, it all began when she saw her mother’s friend, who is a carpentry apprentice, complete beautifully intricate pieces for home renovations.

“My friend’s mom does lots of renovations, and she seems like she loves what she does,” said Saleh. “A lot of what she talked about doing were things that I was interested in. I would see her finish beautiful cabinetry pieces, and I would think, ‘How did she make that?’ And I wanted to be able to do it myself.”

Inspired to learn more about the trades and unsure of where to begin, Saleh took matters into her own hands. A quick Google search led her straight to the Construction Careers Foundation website, where she explored what it would be like to start a career in carpentry. Antsy to begin gaining a new skill set, Saleh got connected to the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA), a paid summer internship program that grants youth the opportunity to explore careers in the construction trades.

“I am the kind of person that will try anything and everything,” said Saleh. “I am so new to the trades and definitely not an expert, but I love MTA because I’ve gotten to ask a lot of questions, got to try things I’ve never even heard of before, and it has been a lot of fun exploring new things and having these new opportunities. It’s really nice to be pushed to grow in such a supportive environment.”

Creatively oriented as she is, Saleh’s artistic spirit does not leave her stuck in the clouds. In fact, Saleh is extremely grounded in the knowledge that this kind of work could allow her to make practical advances in her own life, and even, her future home.

“I love the idea that I could do maintenance and repairs and create things for my own house,” said Saleh. “I find joy in creativity and it’s so fulfilling to be able to create something from square one that you can see every day.”

The Space to Try

Though Saleh’s willingness to try new things is a quality that many would envy, that doesn’t mean that it came easy to her. Her tenacity is a result of perseverance and years of feeling constrained to one particular path.

“My high school offered construction courses, but in high school, I was had the mindset that I had to take all the courses that checked all of the boxes for the goal of going to college. Once I realized college wasn’t for me, I felt like it was too late to do anything else,” said Saleh. “But then I realized – it’s never too late. And I began to give myself the space to try.”

As an MTA intern, Saleh has had the opportunity to gain new skills, try on new ‘hats,’ and even get connected to new role models and support systems within the trades – all while getting paid to do so.

“My favorite thing that I have done through MTA was visiting the bricklayers. They do such precise, focused work,” said Saleh. “Walking into the internship as a woman, it was also really reassuring to walk into a training center and see other women doing the job I want to be doing.”

Along with everything else she has gained from her experience as an intern, Saleh has learned some pretty spectacular lessons that she plans to take along with her.

“The biggest lessons I have learned through MTA are that it is okay to try new things, be bad at them, then work on them and get better,” said Saleh. “And that you always have better options for your life than what it may seem.”

Try Something New with the Construction Careers Foundation

To read more stories similar to Isra Saleh’s, visit the Success Stories page on ConstructionCareers.org.

To learn more about the Minnesota Trades Academy, click here.

To explore more than 30+ careers in the construction industry, visit Construction Careers Foundation’s Careers page.

This Minneapolis-based nonprofit and partner of the Construction Careers Foundation believes in the power of connecting disadvantaged youth to strong career development opportunities right within their own community – starting with construction.

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Recognizing that BIPOC, low-income students are bearing the brunt of the wounds that plague the city, the Minneapolis-based nonprofit Lake Street Works strives to provide Minneapolis-St. Paul young people with the tools to take charge of their own futures – literally.

The 12-month workforce development program provides 11th and 12th-grade students from low-income households in and around the Twin Cities area with life-changing exposure to the construction trades. Students in the program are paid to take courses such as Construction 101, HVAC, Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing, and generate life skills such as financial management and conflict resolution. According to Program Director Jess Coykendall, the true impact of the program goes far deeper than learning how to swing a hammer – for many students, it’s a way forward.

“The goal of the program is to create a long-term transformation for a community,” said Jess Coykendall, Program Director for Lake Street Works. “We want to give youth the means to break the generational cycle of minimum wage job hopping. Construction is a well-paying career that doesn’t require a traditional 4-year degree or $100,000 worth of debt. There are a million different strong avenues within the construction industry that a student could choose to pursue.”

More Than a Career

This paid career training is critical for Minneapolis youth who might not have access to the career resources that are more readily available to their wealthier peers. In a recent 2022 article published by Electrical Contractor, Coykendall notes, “Exposure is one of the biggest challenges that inner-city youth face with getting a foot in the doorway to a career in construction.”

This is why the program connects students with future employers from day one. Once a week, an industry representative gives a presentation about their career, answers student questions, and serves as a connection and resource for the students in the future. Previous representatives have had careers in the electrical trades, plumbing and HVAC, as well as design and architecture.

In addition to these weekly visits, the program connects students to potential employers by bringing them out to job sites and manufacturing plants. For the remainder of 2022, the students are scheduled to visit Flint Mills Refinery to speak with engineers, an Xcel Energy hydroelectric plant, and a solar farm with Hunt Electric, to name a few.

Though the organization is young, in the middle of its second year of operation, the success it has already seen is nothing short of inspiring.

“We have had some real tough guys come out of this program saying that they are happy to have a plan,” said Coykendall. “They feel that even if they don’t know exactly what it is they want, they know something is out there for them. It is the first time that many of these kids have had the feeling.”

Lake Street Works Joins Forces with the Construction Careers Foundation

Lake Street Works is a strong partner of the Construction Careers Foundation (CCF), a Twin Cities-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that strives to increase the diversity of entrants into the construction trades and foster long-term construction careers.

“CCF has a group of leaders who are who they say they are, and who live and die by what they say is important. They believe construction is a fantastic opportunity to change the trajectory of generational poverty,” said Coykendall. “CCF holds the bar high for the rest of us who are trying to be impactful with the youth we serve.”

Coykendall originally met Pat Wagner, Executive Director of the Construction Careers Foundation, through a mutual partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association. Realizing their similar values, the organizations have since found a strong partnership in one another, building upon each other’s successes by offering curriculum advice, sharing research and pedagogical strategies, and mobilizing other educators to get involved.

“I wish I had words big enough for how instrumental CCF has been with the way we think about our program in terms of our priorities, how we put together our training sessions, and how to engage youth in a way that is memorable,” said Coykendall.

One of the many ways CCF has supported Lake Street Works is in helping to implement the organization’s summer sessions, one of four sessions throughout a calendar year. CCF leadership assisted in writing the curriculum for the program’s Safety 101 course and even led the first session for 10 weeks.

“CCF really put us on the path for raising our expectations for ourselves, and for paving the way for excellence in instruction with youth,” said Coykendall.

CCF and LSW: Leveraging Resources to Build a Future for Minnesota Youth

At the end of the day, Coykendall has one message that he wishes everyone to take to heart:

“If you have resources, it is your obligation to this city to utilize them,” said Coykendall. “Our high schoolers are in a world of hurt like we haven’t seen in 30 or 40 years. If you are of corporate or nonprofit nature and you have resources at your disposal, I would strongly encourage you to invest them in some way into career development at our high schools.”

To learn more about the Construction Careers Foundation, click here.

To learn more about Lake Street Works, click here.

The St. Paul Area Chamber presents the inaugural Career Connect Day at St. Paul RiverCentre on October 18, 2022 — a day dedicated to career exploration for high school sophomores.

SAINT PAUL – More than 2,500 St. Paul-area high school sophomores are gearing up to attend the inaugural Career Connect Day at the St. Paul RiverCentre on October 18, 2022, where they can visit with more than 70 local businesses and nonprofit organizations and explore career pathways for their futures.

At the day-long showcase, students will gain real insight into career industries, job opportunities, and training paths to reach their goals.

“We’re excited to take part in Career Connect Day and help students envision their path beyond high school at an earlier age,” said Lindsay Tallman, Program Director for the Construction Careers Foundation. “This experience gives students permission to explore many careers and industries in Minnesota and empowers them with industry awareness that they can use to pave their own career paths.”

Tallman and representatives of Construction Careers Foundation, a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based nonprofit, will speak with students about construction apprenticeships, two- and four-year education options technical and trades skill sets, and professional careers and entrepreneurial ventures found in construction.

“Minnesota’s construction industry is experiencing a critical skills gap,” Tallman said. “We are recruiting the next generation of trades professionals and making them aware of the benefits provided by a career in construction and rounding out their knowledge and perceptions of the different types of education a person needs to enter the trades.”

Tallman added, “We’ve found many students don’t know construction is a viable career path they can take directly out of high school and we’re working in Twin Cities communities through programs like Learn2Build and the Minnesota Trades Academy summer internship to change that narrative.”

What Students Can Expect at Career Connect Day

Students will receive hands-on introduction and insights into different career paths and
employers will showcase their company and sector, as well as career pathway opportunities for students.

Students will have 90 minutes to explore career pathways and engage with a mix of local businesses and organizations in six different tracks of interest, including:

1. Business, Management & Administration,
2. Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
3. Arts, Communications & Information Systems
4. Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology
5. Health Science Technology
6. Human Services

“Career Connect Day emphasizes that high school sophomores don’t have to wait to graduate to make a decision about their future career direction,” Tallman said. “They can connect with local businesses and explore ways to volunteer, intern and find mentors. We are showing young people they have the power to shape their futures now.”

Participating school districts include St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood, North St Paul, Oakdale, Mendota Heights-West St. Paul-Eagan, South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights.

“We have high hopes for the success of Career Connect Day. Students can meet us and more than 70 other local businesses represented at their own pace and seek us out based on their interests and questions,” Tallman said.

Sign Your Students Up Today

Career Connect Day encourages district leaders, school career counselors, and teachers to bring their high school students to connect and engage with local businesses and expose them to career options before they make decisions about post-high school education and training. For more information on Career Connect Day please email Alicia Baraga or call 651.485.3242.

Graduating high school is a huge accomplishment. Now, imagine graduating twice in one summer and starting a career — that’s almost unheard of but not impossible.

This summer, 34 interns graduated from the Minnesota Trades Academy, leading to full-time apprenticeships for two Minnesota Trades Academy participants.

Hosted by the Construction Careers Foundation (ConstructionCareers.org), a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based nonprofit, the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) is a paid summer construction trades internship program that gives high school students ages 16 years to 21 years old training and mentorship in real construction trades careers.

This year’s MTA intern programs were hosted by HIRED in White Bear Lake, Step Up in St. Paul, Right Track in Minneapolis and BrookLynk in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park.

The graduation celebration, which took place in August at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 110 union center, was a culmination of eight-weeks of hard work. Interns practiced hands-on construction skills and learned how to use new tools, measure and read blueprints. On alternating days, interns went on a whirlwind schedule of onsite tours, where they explored more than 20 careers in Minnesota’s construction industry through union training center visits.

“The Minnesota Trades Academy goes beyond preparing interns for a career in construction,” said Lindsay Tallman, Program Director for the Construction Careers Foundation. “It sets them up with trade skills, an OSHA 10 safety certification recognized by the State of Minnesota, and a network of mentors and construction professionals ready to help them secure a career.”

Tallman also noted the smart skills and social benefits that come with an MTA experience.

“Our interns are always practicing smart skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and work ethic,” Tallman said. “Interns arrive on time at their allocated site every morning and are expected to be dressed for the job and prepared to learn. At the end of each week, they collect a paycheck for their work and build friendships and camaraderie with their teams throughout the internship.”

Crossing the Stage with an Apprenticeship in Hand

The intent of the Minnesota Trades Academy is to lay the foundation for young people to secure apprenticeships with various construction and building trade unions. For two young people, participating in the MTA internship program led exactly to just that – a full-time, paid apprenticeship. Two more interns are in the process of registering for an apprenticeship and one intern is already enrolled in a welding program.

To move from the Minnesota Trades Academy directly into an apprenticeship, young people must be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school. For some apprenticeship programs, young people must pass an assessment test. By introducing young people to the construction trades, those who want to continue into an apprenticeship have a good understanding of what’s expected of them in the next stage of their construction career.

“By the third week of the program, we were placing interns in construction apprenticeships,” Tallman said. “To say we’re ecstatic for them is an understatement, this is everything we want for every one of our interns.”

Diversity and Discovery in the Trades

“This year’s Minnesota Trades Academy class is historically the most diverse class to graduate from the program,” Tallman said. “Interns came from a variety of religious and ethnic backgrounds and represented African, Hispanic, Hmong, and Somali populations.”

Tallman added: “Providing equal opportunity and access to careers in construction at an early age is critical for young people, especially when representation of diversity in the construction industry is overall lacking.”

Another achievement for the class – 20 percent of graduating interns were women.

“To have intern classes with multiple women interested in pursuing careers in the trades is very exciting,” Tallman said. “All of the women in Minnesota Trades Academy have either expressed an interest in pursuing a career in construction or qualified for an apprenticeship based on their history and interest in building and shop courses in high school.”   

Get Involved with the Minnesota Trades Academy

Learn more about the Minnesota Trades Academy. For further construction career exploration check out more than 30 career spotlights on ConstructionCareers.org

Fridley, Minnesota – In August 2022, 22 interns participating in the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) summer internship program, obtained the opportunity to meet with, and learn from, leadership at Central Roofing, a Fridley, Minnesota-based commercial roofing contractor. The Minnesota Trades Academy is a paid summer internship program for high school students conducted and funded by the Construction Careers Foundation.

While Central Roofing has partnered with programs similar to MTA in years past, the contractor typically appeared as a guest through a local construction union. As the contractor began noticing fewer people entering the trades, Jessica Tesdall, Vice President of Marketing at Central Roofing, decided it was time to take a more active role in connecting with interested youth.

“As the largest commercial roofing company in the state of Minnesota,” said Tesdall, “it is our responsibility and privilege to advocate for the industry and share new career opportunities with young people.”

Having spent 15 years as an educator prior to her role at Central Roofing – first as a teacher and Secondary ESL Specialist at Anoka-Hennepin School District and then as an Instructor in ESL Education at St. Olaf College – community outreach to schools is a passion for Tesdall.

“When I was teaching, I did a lot of work for post-secondary opportunity programs showing interns career options,” said Tesdall. “Now, having been full-time with Central Roofing for 10 years, company outreach to schools has always been a large part of what I accomplish through my role.”

The Interns’ Day at Central Roofing

Central Roofing designed the day to give interns a well-rounded background of the process of building commercial roofing, complete with a building tour, introductions, and words of wisdom from folks across many of the contractor’s departments. The MTA interns even received a demonstration on blueprint reading and roof replacement from the production team. Composed of 250 professionals with varying trade experiences including commercial construction, the tour of Central Roofing allowed the interns the unique opportunity to see how each trade works together to accomplish a goal. 

“For this MTA tour, we represented five different union trades and then some,” said Tesdall. “We have multiple trades in our building working together to produce these incredible projects. We wanted to showcase that from our vantage point, though roofing is our primary business function, we see a lot of value in supporting the trades in general.”

During the day, MTA interns met with representatives from the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, the International Association of Sheet Metal Workers, Operating Engineers Local 49, Roofers and Waterproofers Local 96 and more. Interns had the chance to make connections with each union, ask questions, and learn more about the role of each trade at Central Roofing. 

“Commercial roofing is a very dynamic task and the trade has changed so much,” said Tesdall. “We want to give the interns a holistic outlook by showcasing our departments: sales, service, production, sheet metal, and so on.” 

Mike Mehring, Vice President of Commercial Sales at Central Roofing, and Rodney Turcotte, Production Superintendent and Warren Stock, Owner of Central Roofing, were among the representatives from different departments who spoke to the interns. The speakers provided interns with an overview of each department and the roles and opportunities that are available in each.

“A lot of our field employees start out as operators, roofers, and service techs, and some eventually go into sales and project management,” said Tesdall. “We want to share with the interns the different leadership and growth opportunities that exist at our company, and to plant the seed that there is an upward path for employees.”

As representatives from each individual trade met with the interns, the level of support in the room was evident. Nearly every union representative had a similar message: If the interns find themselves seeking a job, even if it isn’t in their trade or union, they are available to help. Just pick up the phone and call. 

Choosing Their Adventure

One speaker in particular, Jason Stock, Central Roofing’s Chief Financial Advisor, had one strong piece of advice for the interns: Take control of your own path.

“If you have a company or work culture you’re seeking, go out and find that. Use your network that you’re building through the MN Trades Academy,” advised Tesdall. “The more people you know in the trades, the more you get a sense of where you will want to work.”

Tesdall is thrilled at the potential she saw in this year’s interns and is riveted to continue her work connecting youth with career opportunities in the trades.  

“Our entire team is excited and energized to do more with the Minnesota Trades Academy and other organizations similar to it,” said Tesdall. “We would love the opportunity to travel to schools or to host other days such as this one, where interns can come to our building and have hands-on experience.”

Construction Careers Foundation: Creating Opportunities for Youth with Minnesota Trades Academy 

For more stories about the Minnesota Trades Academy, visit the Construction Careers Foundation blog. 

To gain access to an all-encompassing resource for information regarding the Minnesota building trades, visit www.ConstructionCareers.org. To learn more about the Minnesota Trades Academy, click here.

Ironworkers Local 512 Region A Training and Apprenticeship Coordinator Joshua Kalina believes the construction industry nationwide needs new skilled talent – and leaders.

Recently, Kalina hosted 14 Minnesota Trades Academy interns at the Ironworkers Local Union 512 in St. Paul. The Local Union provided the interns with a tour of the training facilities, gave them hands-on welding experience, and most importantly, empowered the interns to develop leadership skills.

“The Minnesota Trades Academy is a virtuous training program,” Kalina said. “We knew we wanted to host an intern class because the program’s values align with ours. The interns practice accountability, communication, timeliness, and they respect each other and have each other’s backs.”

Kalina, an ironworker for more than 18 years, has seen a lot of job sites and worked with many companies and professionals before taking a full-time position as a training and apprenticeship coordinator with Local 512.

“To me, success means constantly seeking improvement,” Kalina said. “Status quo is never good enough and I have always personally pushed myself to become a better ironworker, trainer, friend, and person. The skills we practice on the jobsite are life-long career skills that carry over into our personal lives, such as how we treat other people and how we show up for our friends and family.”

Training the Next Generation of Ironworkers

Through the Minnesota Trades Academy, interns got a personalized experience of what it’s like in a day as an ironworker. Supported by the Minneapolis-St. Paul-based nonprofit, Construction Careers Foundation, the Minnesota Trades Academy pays high school-aged interns to learn construction skills and explore careers in construction during an eight-week period each summer.

“Young people need programs like this,” Kalina said. “Real-world training, mentors in the career field, and they get paid so they take it seriously because it is a real job.”

Kalina and Ironworkers Local 512 have hosted Minnesota Trades Academy interns in previous years and continue to seek out student and work-based programs to support, inspire and recruit the next generation of ironworkers.

Interns started by learning the differences between reinforcing, structural and ornamental ironworking.

“It surprises people to learn that there are different types of ironworking, and each requires different skills and works in different locations,” Kalina said. “During our facility tour we get interns active. They do tie-off exercises on ladders, watch a torching demonstration, do some hands-on welding, tie reinforcing bars, and get on beams 14 feet off the ground to experience the way we work every day.”

Interns finish the day by having lunch with other ironworkers at the facility and having free time to ask them questions.

“Hosting MTA interns is a benefit for us, too,” Kalina said. “They ask questions that remind us of why we started in the trades and what we like about our careers. It’s also awesome to see young people engaged and many arrive knowing how to weld or researching our trades, you can tell they are serious and passionate and those are the kind of people you want on your crew.”

Kalina’s Journey to Ironworking

A native of Faribault, Minnesota, Kalina’s interest in construction started in the classroom and he’s thankful for that.

“My mom is a dietary manager and my dad worked in a factory and growing up on a hobby farm I can’t say I was really integrated into construction,” Kalina said. “However, I was an outdoorsy kid. I liked fixing things and I was an honors student. For a long time, I wanted to be a lawyer.”

Kalina said after years of bookwork in high school, he found that while he could do the classwork with ease, he had more fun in shop class. He took everything from woodworking to small engines and fabrication.

“I didn’t want to go into factory or office work,” Kalina said. “I wanted a career that challenged me mentally and physically.”

When Kalina joined the union as an apprentice he continued to push himself to be an exemplary student of the craft.

“The first day I walked down the training center halls I saw this ‘Outstanding Apprentice Award’ and right there I was motivated. I wanted that to be me,” Kalina said.

In 2014, Kalina also received that award upon graduating to journeyman status.

“I worked unbelievably hard to earn that,” Kalina said. “I earned every certificate I could in welding and became a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and I used the facility to my advantage to earn rigging certifications to be able to work on any job site.”

In his career as an ironworker, Kalina is most proud of the work he’s done in the Mall of America and bridges around Minnesota.

“I’ve helped build amusement rides at Valley Fair, MOA and worked overnights on our highways orchestrating bridge sets. I spent a lot of Saturdays tying rebar. I have immense pride in all of the projects that I have had a hand in building,” said Kalina, who was hired as the training coordinator for Local 512 in 2020.

“I have such a respect for the women and men who trained me and offered me new roles and challenges on job sites,” Kalina said. “I was honored to accept the training position with the union and continue to develop our program, which has been nationally recognized for its apprenticeship and skills training.”

Kalina’s Advice to Future Ironworker Apprentices

“Before you call the union to schedule an interview or appointment, research our craft,” Kalina said. “Our work takes mental fortitude. It’s a tough gig being outdoors working in the winter or on a beam in the summer in 105-degree heat.”

“At the end of the day, ironworking is an incredibly rewarding career that builds iconic structures around our cities and rural areas, country, and the world,” Kalina said.

For more information about an ironworker apprenticeship with Local 512 visitwww.ironworkers512.com .

Did you know there are currently more than 10,000 people enrolled in building trades apprenticeship programs in the state of Minnesota?

However, women and nonbinary persons are still less likely than men to join an apprenticeship. According to a 2018 report by the Center for American Progress, an independent, nonpartisan public policy institute, only 7.2% of registered individuals in apprenticeships identify as women.

Learn2Build program manager Mary DesJarlais knows that changing a statistic takes time, but it also takes a community effort.

Recently, DesJarlais watched a community of mentors, construction professionals and guardians empower young girls and nonbinary students to say yes to construction through the Learn2Build summer construction camp hosted in partnership with Dunwoody College of Technology and the Minneapolis YWCA.

“It’s critical to expose women and nonbinary people to construction earlier to make them aware of careers that align with their passions,” DesJarlais said. “This starts with how we talk to our young students about building and working with their hands and it continues on when they start school and participate in camps.”

Thirteen young girls and nonbinary students took part in the camp that was hosted over four days. Learn2Build camp is funded by the Construction Careers Foundation (constructioncareers.org), a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based nonprofit that promotes STEM skills and construction-based activities with students in grades 5-10.

“Every year we try to create one camp just devoted to empowering students who identify as non-binary or as a woman,” DesJarlais said. “We want them to be surrounded by role models who look just like them. We want them to know what it’s like to be a person who does activities usually stereotyped as ‘just for boys.’ Construction has no gender. Construction is for everyone.”

DesJarlais and Learn2Build volunteers recruited this year’s campers from the Minneapolis YWCA Eureka program and partnered with Dunwoody Construction Trainer Heather Gay and Dunwoody HVAC, Electrical, Survey and design programs to create a camp that introduces the young people to a variety of construction careers and construction-related skill sets.

“Campers built birdhouses, marshmallow launchers, did surveying exercises and toured Dunwoody College of Technology to explore the different departments that use construction skills,” DesJarlais said. “My favorite part of organizing this camp is that it’s a safe space for girls and nonbinary students to explore tools and building without the stigma of not being ‘good enough’ or ‘strong enough.’ A lot of tool-based learning is not about strength but rather how to use the tool properly and safely.”

The Learn2Build camp provided the students with real life construction materials for each project and taught them how to read blueprints, measure and cut building materials.

“From start to finish on the first day, we saw our campers were excited about the projects and took pride in their work,” DesJarlais said. “Many of the participants expressed interest in taking ‘more camps like this.’ Some are considering signing up for classes at school that offer hands-on building projects. Hearing these kinds of comments always pumps me up!”

More Learn2Build camp opportunities are planned for this fall and an events schedule can be found on ConstructionCareers.org. Learn2Build campers were sent home with additional construction materials to complete a tiling project and a grout kit.

Bring Learn2Build to your School

Click here for more information on Learn2Build or contact Mary DesJarlais.