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For prospective workers eyeing a career in construction, understanding the importance of mental health and safety is key. Commemorating May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month and Construction Safety Week from May 6 – 10, 2024 recognizes the significance of these topics in the construction industry. Construction Safety Week, is an opportunity to highlight the […]

As spring rolls in, so does the start of the construction season, bringing loads of new job opportunities along with it. It’s the perfect time to think about shaking things up in your career or gaining experience in a new industry. Why not jump into the action and kick off your summer on the right […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Looking to join a union and get work through a contractor at the same time? Take these simple steps to get started in the right direction. When applying for an apprenticeship through a union, you may be confronted with a step you might not have been expecting — getting hired by a contractor. Some Minnesota […]

Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) interns walk a day-in-the-life of an electrician at I.B.E.W. Local 110 in St. Paul, Minnesota.  St. Paul, Minnesota – To think, when it comes to electricity, it all started with a wire, a kite, and lightning. Today, the world’s dependence on electric energy is immense. Between lighting, data operations, electric vehicles, […]

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 […]

National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long, nation-wide initiative to celebrate the great opportunities available through apprenticeship. Throughout the United States, including Minnesota, from November 13-19, 2023, construction unions, trainers, mentors, educators, government officials and more, came together to shine a light during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) on the abundance of career opportunities available to young […]

For students who want access to clear, accurate information about pursuing a career in the construction trades after high school, the Careers page on www.constructioncareers.org is a great place to start. For many high school students, winter break is a time to relax and unwind. However, it’s also the perfect time for students to reflect […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Construction Careers Foundation and the MN Mechanical Contractors Association join together as partners to eliminate barriers for young people looking to enter the construction trades. Saint Paul, Minnesota – The construction industry relies heavily on one’s ability to get themselves to and from a worksite. However, although transportation is an essential part of working […]

White Bear Lake, Minnesota – Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) intern Nicole Hard is the ruler of her imagination. Through her experience with MTA, this 18-year-old is set to take her future in the construction trades to the next level and set goals for a successful career. Hard has always been interested in working in the […]

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, […]

Brooklyn Center, Minnesota – Nineteen-year-old Minnesota Trades Academy intern Torrence Brown grew up watching his grandfather take on household projects with swift ease, tenacity, and creativity. What Brown admired the most about his grandfather’s handiness wasn’t necessarily the projects he completed, but the meaning behind them. His grandfather wasn’t only completing this work out of […]

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 […]

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. Minnesota […]

The Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit that provides construction-focused programming and resources to Minnesota students and educators has been named a Stanley Black & Decker Global Impact Challenge Makers Grant recipient. “This accolade is no small feat. Your organization exceeded expectations, and though the selection process was competitive, we were impressed by your commitment to helping close the […]

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 […]

Saturday April 23, 2022 | 10AM – 1PM | ERX Motor Park | Elk River, Minnesota Join us for a great chance to learn about opportunities in the construction industry. This event is FREE – all are welcome and there is no registration required! We will be here, RAIN OR SHINE! Who’s invited? High School […]

The Construction Careers Foundation has named Charie Gill as its new Minnesota Trades Navigator. Gill, a social entrepreneur and Finnovation Lab Fellow, has more than 20 years of community organizing and youth mentorship experience. She previously held roles as the Director of Community Programming with the North Community YMCA in Minneapolis and served as the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Mica Luttrull never planned on attending college. “I never envisioned myself going to college and I never wanted to go to college,” Luttrull said. “That hasn’t changed for me, even after graduating high school. I don’t want to spend money on a degree I am not certain will get me a good-paying job and I […]

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 […]

What Minnesota lacks in mountains, the state makes up for in scenic, rugged outdoor trails. On hot summer days, Jonas Roach can be found mountain biking on trails in Salem Hills Park in Inver Grove Heights and Battle Creek Regional Park in St. Paul. For Roach, biking serves many purposes. He loves being outdoors and […]

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, […]

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 […]

Careers in Construction Month is a nationwide celebration and recognition of the career opportunities that exist throughout the construction industry. October is Careers in Construction Month, a month-long celebration of the rewarding and well-compensated career paths available in the building trades industry. Throughout the month, the Construction Careers Foundation, a Minneapolis-St. Paul nonprofit dedicated to […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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% […]

When you imagine a construction professional, does a man or woman come to mind? It’s common for many people to think of a man, considering of all the people working in construction women comprise only 10.9% of the construction workforce. However, women are continuing to be a growing and present force in shaping the U.S. construction […]

Many Minnesota students take part in after-school and summer programming that caters to homework assistance, sports, and quality time with their peers. In St. Paul, The Flipside program goes one step further by engaging students in unique enrichment activities through numerous organizational partnerships that promote hands-on learning activities and helping students explore real life careers. […]

A growing number of Minnesota teachers and guidance counselors are recognizing a frustration among their high school students – young people who know that college or the military isn’t right for them, but are not sure what else they could do for a career. Julie Gloege, a special educator teacher for 15 years with Brooklyn […]

Members of Generation Z, born from 1995 to 2010, are true digital natives. This group of young people were born “plugged in” with access to the internet and a jungle of social media platforms. As Gen Zs enter high school and think about their futures, they have ample access to information about potential career pathways, […]

The Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) paid summer construction trades internship program, a program of the Construction Careers Foundation, will host more than 40 student interns this summer who will explore careers in Minnesota’s building trades and construction industry. The Minnesota Trades Academy provides training and mentorship to Twin Cities-area students, ages 16 to 21 years […]

Learn2Build, a hands-on, in-school program designed to introduce middle school students to careers in Minnesota’s construction industry, hosted a Learn2Build program on June 10 in White Bear Lake School Independent District 624 – engaging seventy 5th-grade students at White Bear Lake’s Otter Elementary School. Through support from the Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities-nonprofit that […]

If you’re considering a career in construction the first step is exploring your career options. With more than 30 possible career pathways in Minnesota alone, you can review what skills and knowledge separate careers in carpentry from masonry, plumbing, welding and more. All these career options can be overwhelming, so another step to help you […]

When it comes to students’ different learning styles and working preferences, careers in Minnesota’s construction industry boast a variety of accredited, post-secondary learning opportunities that help students assess their interests and pursue the line of education that best aligns with their career goals and learning style. “A career in construction offers numerous areas for advancement. […]

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Minneapolis and St. Paul Chapters are partnering with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 292 in Minneapolis, 343 in Rochester, and 110 in St. Paul to bring Girl Scouts fun, hands-on electrical trades experiences. “We are always seeking outreach opportunities in our Minneapolis, St. Paul and greater […]

The Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) paid summer construction trades internship program, a program of the Construction Careers Foundation, will host more than 40 student interns this summer who will explore careers in Minnesota’s building trades and construction industry. Supported by more than 20 local building and construction trade unions, the Minnesota Trades Academy provides training […]

National Women in Construction Week (WIC) takes place from March 6-12, 2022, and highlights the contributions of, and the desire to strengthen the presence of, women in America’s construction industry. The week is dedicated to challenging career stereotypes and provides an occasion to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry. […]

If you’re a student who is wondering about whether to pursue a career in construction, recent forecasts indicate a strong need for construction workers in both the immediate and long-term future. The American Institute of Architects’ Consensus Construction Forecast “expects spending on nonresidential building construction to increase by 5.4 percent in 2022, and accelerate to […]

Educators: Please take special note of these upcoming application deadlines. Please consider sharing them with your students. To apply for a construction trades apprenticeship, young people must be 18 years old and have achieved their high school diploma or a GED. Ready to start your career in Minnesota’s construction trades? There are a handful of […]

The year 2021 was marked by a number of achievements for the Construction Career Foundation. The organization hosted and supported many successful efforts to enhance state-wide awareness among youth and young adults about the quality careers available in the Minnesota union construction trades. Founded in 2005, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization continuously strives in its mission […]

Construction Apprentices Share the Value of Launching a Career in the Construction Trades In 2021, more than 20 million people quit their jobs in search of a new career. People are looking for careers that are more in tune with their lifestyle, life passions, and offer better pay and better benefits. If you’re a high […]

College? Nah. Military service? Uh-uh, not for me. Work in a big box store? No way. So, what’s next? How about a career in the building and construction trades? As more students are reconsidering joining the military or going to college, construction apprenticeships in Minnesota are growing increasingly competitive. A career as an electrician, plumber, […]

By Sophia Klein Minneapolis, MN — Juan Davila, 22, has always had a knack for building, but he hasn’t always been sure how to turn this strength into a lucrative career. “I’ve always been really good at building things, and I’ve always found a lot of pride in that type of work,” he said. “But […]

Plumbing and pipefitting are often confused with each other. While both professions have similarities such as installing, maintaining and repairing pipes, it is important to understand the differences between the two crafts when applying for apprenticeship. The Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes plumbing and pipefitting jobs in the same group, so let’s break down these two […]

Minnesota construction trade apprenticeship application deadlines are fast approaching for January. Three local building and construction trades unions have applications due within the coming weeks, offering an opportunity for young people who are at least 18 years old and have completed their high school education or equivalent to apply. Minneapolis Plumbers JATC Local #15, January […]

Minnesota construction trade apprenticeship application deadlines are fast approaching for the months of December and January. Three local unions and two universities have applications due within the coming weeks: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 343 The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: Construction Management program Minnesota State University, Mankato: Construction Management program Pipefitters […]

Apprenticeships in the building and construction trades are the primary training pipeline for high school students entering Minnesota’s construction industry.  While college tuition costs and student debt continue to rise, apprenticeship offers another option to young people seeking an education that leads to a good-paying career. National Apprenticeship Week (including Apprenticeship Week in Minnesota) in […]

It is no secret that diversity and inclusion efforts are a necessary part of securing a just workplace for all involved. As the third-least-diverse industry in Minnesota, according to a recent report from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the construction industry is well overdue in this regard. In the wake of this […]

Experienced education program developer Lindsay Tallman joins Construction Careers Foundation (CCF) in the role of Program Director. Tallman will oversee CCF’s Learn2Build program, a summer experience for students in grades 4-9 that allows students to build take-home projects replicating “real-world” construction materials and processes; and the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) program, a paid, summer internship […]

Deciding to leave the military might be as big of a step as deciding to join. Justin Rost, Director of Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats, understands the struggles of transitioning from the military back into civilian life firsthand. For the last seven years, the veteran marine continues to give back to the military community by connecting […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONSTRUCTION CAREERS FOUNDATION AND STATE OF MINNESOTA CELEBRATE IMPORTANT ROLE OF CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS Minneapolis-St. Paul — With the passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill by Congress, Minnesota’s construction trades need more young people to join its ranks than ever to build Minnesota’s future. To help Minnesota’s young people become more aware of […]

Twin Cities-based Construction Careers Foundation promotes Minnesota’s Helmets to Hardhats efforts to connect transitioning U.S. service members to registered apprenticeship opportunities in Minnesota’s construction trades. Minneapolis-St. Paul — Deciding to leave the military might be as big of a step as deciding to join. Justin Rost knows firsthand. As director of Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats, Rost […]

Graduating college is not the only pathway to economic security and upward mobility for American workers. Through registered apprenticeship programs, the construction industry enables building and construction trades workers to achieve comfortable lifestyles for themselves and their families. Now a new study bears out what many in the construction trades already knew firsthand. A new, […]

Every day, women are making an impact on Minnesota’s construction industry — on job sites and from behind the desk at construction companies, building and construction trade unions, and even nonprofits, such as the Construction Career Foundation. Pat Wagner Executive Director of Construction Careers Foundation This year, Finance & Commerce, a business publication serving the Minnesota […]

Young professionals pursuing a career in construction learn through an apprenticeship program. Much like colleges, universities and other secondary education options, apprenticeship programs accept students full time. Enrollment into an apprenticeship program often requires taking an aptitude test or assessment of basic math and reading skills. However, apprentices also experience two distinct benefits from their […]

By Sophia Klein Minneapolis, Minnesota — 19-year-old Marcus McGinley has known he would go into ironworking since his sophomore year of high school. McGinley was inspired by how highly his family friend spoke of the job, and knew it fit with what he wanted out of a career. “That last year of high school everyone’s […]

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Enrollment is currently open until August 30 for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 high school pathway program. This program is in partnership with Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) and offers high school students the ability to complete online courses that expose them to career opportunities in the heavy equipment […]

When you hear a student mention their plans after high school, do you ask them if they are going to college, joining the military, or starting an apprenticeship in the construction trades? Higher education is a hot topic of conversation for students and their families during their junior and senior years of high school. We […]

Parents Urged to Encourage Middle – and High School Students to Explore the Construction Trades Through Shop Classes If your student or child has expressed interest in taking “shop class” in middle or high school, it’s worth exploring. Traditionally, shop classes feature instruction in a craft or trade such as carpentry, electrical, masonry or even […]

LEARN2BUILD is a summer experience for students in grades 4-9 combining the fun and games of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) with exciting activities focused on the construction building trades industry. Kids work individually and in teams to learn about construction concepts and designs. Students build take-home projects replicating “real-world” construction materials and processes. The […]

College? Military service? How about a career in Minnesota’s construction trades? If you’re a parent, the future of your children is always one of your top priorities. Two major components of young adults’ futures are their education and what they might do for a career one day. Ensuring that young people get the knowledge, skills […]

As a Technical Education Teacher and Construction Career Pathway Instructor for the White Bear Lake Area School District, Dan Rossiter is committed to helping students interested in pursuing a skilled trade after high school. But it was over the course of the last year-and-a-half, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education of his students, that […]

Are you interested in pursuing a career in Minnesota’s construction trades? Do you envision yourself as an electrician, a pipefitter, an ironworker or a heavy-equipment operator? If you do, you should consider applying for a registered apprenticeship with one of Minnesota building and construction trades. In a construction apprenticeship program, apprentices learn skills and knowledge […]

On Earth Day, President Biden announced that the United States is committing itself to cutting carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030. If you’re thinking about a career in Minnesota’s construction industry, this is good news, because to reach that goal, a number of changes will need to occur right here in Minnesota, such […]

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the building and construction trades, there are a number of scholarship and grant opportunities that can help young people bridge the financial gap as they make the transition from being a student to a full-time trades professional. These scholarships and grants can help pay for courses at […]

New website, mndpa.org, can help connect young people to apprenticeships and jobs in Minnesota’s drywall industry. If you’re a student enrolled in high school or a two-year college program and are wondering if there’s another path toward a rewarding, good-paying job, consider a career as a drywall carpenter or plasterer. That’s the aim of the […]

The Minnesota Trades Academy summer 2021 class size will be reduced in accordance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines. The program expects to return to full capacity for the summer 2022 session. The Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) paid summer construction trades internship program will host a reduced class size this summer with plans to resume full capacity […]

Apply Now for an apprenticeship with the Steamfitters and Pipefitters Local 455 in St. Paul and Mankato. From welding pipes in an oil refinery to installing steam systems beneath a city street, the members of Local 455 keep critical systems intact. While their work is rarely in the public eye, steamfitters and pipefitters take pride […]

Apply now for a Pre-Apprenticeship Training program with the BAC Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Training Center Local 1. Ask yourself … Do you like working with your hands? Are you physically fit? Do you have an eye for line, color, and proportion? Do you like working outside? Do you hate the idea of sitting in […]

Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you love solving complex problems? Do you enjoy working in the outdoors? Do you enjoy the satisfaction of seeing something you’ve built? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to consider a career in construction. Many young people don’t realize that there […]

Looking for a multifaceted career that involves troubleshooting, diagnosing, repair, installation, servicing and maintenance? Consider applying for an apprenticeship with Local 11 and Local 589 of the United Association of plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters and HVAC technicians. The joint apprenticeship between these two trade unions offer young people, who are at least 18 years old and […]

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. —  Construction Careers Foundation has announced that Sam Ebute, former Director of the Minnesota Trades Academy, will hold a new position with the Twin Cities nonprofit as a statewide Trades Navigator. The addition of this new role to the leadership team is an important step toward achieving the organizations’ COVID-19 goal to virtually […]

Apply Now for Apprenticeship with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 6 in Rochester, Minnesota. Are you looking for a solid, great-paying career that will be in high demand for many, many years? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a career as a plumber or pipefitter offers powerful growth opportunities, solid pay, great benefits […]

With construction season right around the corner, now is the time to start preparing to make the jump – putting in your application to begin an apprenticeship program with a Minnesota building and construction trade union. Stay ahead of the deadlines, prepare your application and put your best foot forward. Apply early to receive word […]

Spring semester enrollment for a program that offers students in Minnesota a pathway into the International Union of Operating Engineers registered apprenticeship program open until January 29th. Enrollment is currently open until January 29th for the spring semester in the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 and Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) high school […]

All members of Ironworkers Local 512 have two things in common — they’ve never been afraid of heights and they love to work in teams. If working outdoors on a motivated team and spending time at a variety of heights gives you an adrenaline rush; working with iron can bring you to great heights, pardon […]

As a construction apprentice, you aren’t just training for a job, you’re building a career. Technical instruction with on-the-job training equips you with the industry-specific knowledge you need to perform highly skilled work in Minnesota’s construction industry. In August 2019, 144,575 professionals were employed in Minnesota’s construction sector, according to a Minnesota Employment and Economic […]

Gregg Adler, Skilled Trades Educator at St. Paul Harding High School Harding High School Career and Technical Education teacher Gregg Adler waits for his students to join a distance learning Google Meet session. As the mics turn on and class starts, Adler checks in with each student. He knows their favorite cars and what positions they […]

Are you interested in a career that invests in the future and supports our planet? Heat and frost insulators significantly lower energy costs and help create a lighter carbon footprint. They have been “green” for more than 100 years. Mechanical insulators have the skills and problem-solving strategies critical to meeting the challenges of the most […]

The plumbing industry is strong and expanding. Minnesota plumbers provide medical gas installation in hospitals, clinics and dialysis units. They work in new residential and commercial construction, remodeling and updating plumbing in existing buildings and provide valuable troubleshooting. A Minnesota plumber is a highly skilled technician who takes great pride in their work. “The United Association […]

When you hear the word “apprentice,” what do you think of? Do you think of medieval times with knights and blacksmiths in training hammering hot metal swords on an anvil? Or do you think of Jedi Knights in Star Wars training padawans? While the term apprentice is oftentimes referenced in historical or fantasy books and […]

CONSTRUCTION CAREERS FOUNDATION AND STATE OF MINNESOTA CELEBRATE IMPORTANT ROLE OF CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONSTRUCTION CAREERS FOUNDATION AND STATE OF MINNESOTA CELEBRATE IMPORTANT ROLE OF CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS Minneapolis-St. Paul — With the passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill by Congress, Minnesota’s construction trades need more young people to join […]

Apprenticeship is an important part of training and developing union building and construction trades professionals, and National Apprenticeship Week, celebrated annually each year in November, is a time for educators to make students aware of the benefits of enrolling in an apprenticeship after graduation. Apprenticeship programs conducted by Minnesota’s building and construction trades give students […]

Minnesota construction professionals shape the world around us. They build our homes, the office buildings, warehouses and industrial plants where we work. They maintain our energy infrastructure. They build the sports stadiums where our favorite college and pro teams play. They build the stores we shop in, the schools where we learn, and the hospitals […]

The International Union of Operating Engineers – K12 Industry Partnership Offers Minnesota Students an Apprenticeship Pathway. The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 and Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) have partnered to offer online courses designed to introduce Minnesota high school students in grades 9 through 12 to the heavy equipment industry. More than […]

Careers in Construction Month is a nationwide celebration and recognition of the career opportunities that exist throughout the construction industry. October is Careers in Construction Month, a month-long celebration of the rewarding and well-compensated career paths available in the building trades industry. With a projected 1 million craft professionals needed by 2023, the construction industry […]

Are you searching for your next step after graduation? Is a four-year college plan or the military not of interest to you? If you prefer working with your hands and your mind and want to earn a degree while getting paid to learn construction skills through an apprenticeship, North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) has plenty […]

A growing number of Minnesota students are taking construction and building trades courses in high school. While the courses may be a fun or new alternative to other classes offered, the Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit, is taking the classroom experience a step further and connecting with students, educators and parents to present […]

During the junior year of high school in Minnesota, students are introduced to the Common Application, a college application that allows students to apply to more than 800 colleges and universities around the world – all by filling out just one form. Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit recommends juniors also download the Construction […]

For the foreseeable future, construction professionals will be in high demand. Construction occupations are expected to grow 11 percent between 2016 and 2026, faster than the 7 percent average forecast for all occupations. For construction and extraction, 758,400 new jobs are projected by 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s an opportunity that today’s […]

NEWS RELEASE Media Contact Erin Lang Communications Manager 612-747-3471 elang@local49.org Innovative K12 Industry Partnership Offers Students in Minnesota Pathway into the International Union of Operating Engineers Registered Apprenticeship Program. While parents and educators are struggling with decisions about educational options during the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 and Minnesota […]

MANKATO — Teens tore up concrete outside West High School Thursday. They weren’t vandals. They were getting a hands-on taste of a potential career. The new South Central Construction Trades Boot Camp introduced area high schoolers and new graduates to nine different professions. Read the full story.

Anesthesiologists, surgeons, lawyers and engineers are listed as the highest paying jobs in America. All of which require at least a four-year college degree, as well as advanced schooling. Most require young people to take on large amounts of student debt. Of course, there is another pathway into rewarding high paying careers straight out of […]

If you’re looking for a career field with high expected job growth and want opportunities to learn new skills through mentorship classes and training, consider becoming a tile setter. Tile setters, also known as tile installers, lay tile in homes and buildings, including the floors and walls in bathrooms and kitchens. Laying tile requires excellent […]

With social distancing and health safety precautions in mind, the South Central Construction Trades Boot Camp in Mankato, provided individualized hands-on experiences for youth to gain exposure to careers in the construction trades and learn about union apprenticeship training opportunities. The South Central Construction Trades Boot Camp, conducted recently in Mankato, Minnesota, gave young people […]

NEWS RELEASE  The South Central Construction Trades Boot Camp is a two-week interactive camp that provides hands-on experiences for youth to gain exposure to careers in the construction trades and learn about union apprenticeship training opportunities. MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Mankato-based South Central Construction Trades Boot Camp gives young people a leg up when […]

From computers and software to physical robots, technologies today are dramatically shifting job roles and responsibilities and disrupting all industries. But Minnesota’s construction industry has already begun adopting and integrating technologies to maximize project turnaround time, construction planning and worker safety. “A career in construction is never stagnant and hands-on learning takes place every day,” […]

If you’re looking for a career where you can have a real impact, consider becoming a sprinkler fitter, who help save property and lives every day. The installation of sprinkler fire protection systems is a critical step in the construction of any building. Sprinkler fitters work in existing and newly constructed buildings; in conditions ranging […]

Have you ever caught a student not paying attention in class? Maybe dozing off, chatting with another student, or taking glances at their cell phone? Well, if you’re looking for a solution, you might want to consider the experience of Dan Rossiter, a construction teacher at White Bear Lake Area High School. “I can’t say […]

Including road and bridge construction, carpenters work on nearly every type of construction site — commercial buildings, homes, apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, you name it. They are some of the first workers on a job site, and some of the last to leave. The carpentry trade offers a variety of specialties, including general construction, concrete, […]

Trade school is less expensive and shorter, Trades jobs compensate well, availability of jobs, job security, job satisfaction. 

Follow these six steps to secure an apprenticeship in the construction and building trades. Do you know a student who learns by creating, inventing or working with their hands? How about a student who prefers to be active in the classroom? As students in your school reach senior year, have any expressed to their nervousness […]

If you’re pursuing a construction apprenticeship, consider the benefits of joining one of Minnesota’s 48 construction and building trades unions. When you join a union, people have your back — more than 70,000 people, in fact. Minnesota union construction professionals are known and respected for upholding the standard for quality construction in the state. Becoming […]

For teachers looking to introduce their students to the world of construction – there’s a new free online resource for you. The Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit, is now offering teachers a growing list of free educational resources to help middle-school and high-school students explore careers in construction.

Check out the Construction Trades app, the first free mobile app for youth to explore careers in Minnesota’s construction industry, apply directly to apprenticeships and get advice from industry professionals. Minnesota youth graduating from high school now have a career hub at their fingertips. Download the Construction Trades App on Google Play and in Apple Store.

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – This November 11th to November 15th the State of Minnesota, Minnesota’s Building and Construction Trades, construction companies, and trade schools celebrate the power of construction trades apprenticeships to transform the lives of Minnesota’s young people.

Apprenticeship Week in Minnesota is November 11-15, 2019. It is an opportunity for the apprenticeship community to tell their stories and share with businesses, industry, labor, education, career-seekers, community-based organizations, students and workers the advantages of developing careers through apprenticeship.

Minnesota’s trade unions, construction companies and DEED fund statewide effort – Construction Career Pathways – to attract a new generation into Minnesota’s building trades construction workers.

Girl Power! Event Encourages Young Girls to Consider the Construction Trades as a Future Career The YWCA of Minneapolis and Dunwoody College of Technology teamed up to put on Girl Power!, an event for middle school girls throughout the Twin Cities designed to help them become aware of careers in the construction trades. Girl Power! […]

Read this powerful story by the Minnesota Women’s Press about women entering the construction trades. Written by Erica Rivera. https://womenspress.com/Content/ReadersWrite/Storytellers/Article/Building-Strong-Futures/124/26/5666

Eagan High School, located in the southeast suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul is among a growing number of high schools throughout Minnesota that are creating that are creating opportunities for students to learn practical construction skills that can be used for a lifetime, while learning about potential careers in construction. Launched last year, the new, year-long, […]

Not sure if you want to get a four-year college degree after college? Don’t think military service would be a good fit either? How about applying for an apprenticeship to become an electrician, a plumber, a pipefitter or a skilled professional in one of more than 30 skilled construction trades? Just like college, there are […]

There’s a lot of pressure on high school students to enter college after high school. Parents, teachers, guidance counselors, friends…they all ask: “Where are you going to college?” But what if you’re a student who needs something different? What if you’re at your best when your thinking through your hands? The dilemma of high school […]

In its first year in operation, Helmets to Hardhats Minnesota achieved a major milestone – the organization assisted more than 300 veterans and active duty members in connecting with career training and employment opportunities in Minnesota’s building and construction industries. “We’ve reached 4.25 times as many veterans in 2018 than we did the previous year,” […]

As Minnesota’s economy continues to expand, there is strong demand for highly skilled construction workers. This need is especially true as construction industry observers look into the future and point to the large number of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers working in Minnesota’s construction industry who will retire in the years to come. Rising to […]

Hands-on events allow youth to learn about careers in construction As they enter their senior year, many Minnesota high school students feel the pressure – from their parents, teachers and guidance counselors — to either enroll in college or enlist in the Armed Forces. But for those students who don’t feel that either choice is […]

A Habitat for Humanity house. The siding on an airplane hanger in Lake Elmo. A football facility shed at Roosevelt High School. What do these three building projects have in common? All three served as real-life, outdoor classrooms that allowed high school students who participated in the Minnesota Trade Academy Summer 2018 program to learn […]

For many high school students, college seems like the only option after graduation. But for those hoping to work with their hands and go straight into the workforce, and earn while they learn, a career in the construction industry may be the perfect fit. One school district that has taken the lead in developing alternative […]

While many kids see summer vacation as a break from anything to do with learning, a growing number of students in the St. Paul School District are getting involved in summer programs to learn about hands-on, skilled careers in the construction industry From throughout St. Paul, 24 youth participated in this year’s Kids at Work, […]

Construct Tomorrow, one-day event (Exact date TBD, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Cooper High School offers opportunity for students (grades 5-12) to learn about construction careers. Post will be updated with date once determined.

Construct Tomorrow, two-day event (February 26-27, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) at the Duluth (DECC) Convention Center offers opportunity for students (grades 5-12) to learn about construction careers.

Construct Tomorrow, one-day event (January 30, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) at the St. Cloud State University Field House offers opportunity for students (grades 5-12) to learn about construction careers.

Construct Tomorrow, one-day event (November 28, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) at the Mankato Verizon Center offers opportunity for students (grades 5-12) to learn about construction careers.

Construct Tomorrow, one-day event (October 25, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) at St. Paul Public School Building offers opportunity for students (grades 5-12) to learn about construction careers.

Construct Tomorrow, one-day event (October 9, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) at Eveleth Public School Building offers opportunity for students (grades 5-12) to learn about construction careers.

St. Paul, MN – Looking for a tangible way to impact young people in Saint Paul? How about ensuring that they get to internships that introduce them to careers in construction? The Saint Paul Police Department, in support of the Construction Careers Pathways, a statewide effort to introduce middle school and high school students to […]

Recently, more than 30 middle school girls attended Power Girls! at the YMCA in Minneapolis where they had the opportunity to learn about non-traditional career paths for women in the trades. The hands-on event allowed girls to learn about electricity, electrical work, plumbing, soldering, pipefitting and more through face-to-face interactions with 18 Twin Cities female […]

New website introduces Minnesota high school students to 30 different construction careers MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL – The Construction Careers Foundation has launched a new website —  ConstructionCareers.org — for young adults to learn about potential careers in Minnesota’s construction industry. The website offers descriptions of 30 different construction careers with pathways on how young adults may […]

SAINT PAUL, MN (March 2018) – Justin Rost has been named interim director of Helmets to Hardhats Minnesota, a St. Paul-based nonprofit that helps U.S. military veterans transition from military service to a trades career (boilermakers, plumbers, electricians, glaziers, elevator constructors, ironworkers, heavy equipment operators, welders, roofers, steel metal workers, pipefitters, etc.) in Minnesota’s construction […]

SAINT PAUL, MN – The Construction Careers Foundation (CCF) has named Donna Kusske as director of the Building Minnesota Apprenticeship Program. The Construction Careers Foundation is a Saint Paul-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering and developing construction career pathways for Minnesotans, in particular, young adults seeking an alternative to a four-year college degree. In her new […]

More details to come

Construct Tomorrow, one-day event (April 18, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Fairmont High School offers opportunity for teens to learn about construction careers.

Construct Tomorrow, one-day event (April 11, 2018, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Robbinsdale Cooper High School offers opportunity for teens to learn about construction careers.

Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, Minn., 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free event to help Minnesotans learn about trade apprenticeship opportunities.

Jax Café, Minneapolis, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Contractors and local unions celebrate the veterans who helped to build Minnesota. Contact Joel Welter, Helmets to Hardhats Minnesota, 763-354-4546.

SAINT PAUL, MN (December 14, 2017) — The Construction Careers Foundation is proud to announce the hiring of Joel Welter, a pipefitter and active member of the U.S. Army Reserve, to lead a new effort to attract veterans as well as active duty members of the military to careers in construction in Minnesota. The Construction […]

Construct Tomorrow, Two-day event (Feb. 27-28) at the DECC in Duluth. High school students invited to learn about careers in construction.

Minneapolis STEM and Career Exploration Expo, Minneapolis Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eighth grade students enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools learn about STEM-related careers, including the construction trades.