Celebrating 20 Years of Building Futures: CCF’s 20th Anniversary
Pat Wagner, Executive Director
2025 marked a major milestone for the Construction Careers Foundation — twenty years of creating pathways into Minnesota’s construction trades. On September 23rd, 2025 CCF hosted a 20th anniversary celebration at Surly Brewing, and brought together educators, industry partners, union leaders, and community members who share a deep commitment to helping young people discover rewarding, lifelong careers in construction.
The evening was more than just a celebration of CCF’s past achievements; it was a tribute to the partnerships and people who have built the organization’s success. Guests enjoyed an evening of connection, reflection, and inspiration as we looked toward the next chapter in building Minnesota’s future workforce.
The program began with remarks from CCF Board President Matt Marquis, who expressed gratitude to the many partners, funders, and advocates who have championed CCF’s mission over the years. He then introduced the visionary behind the organization — Executive Director Pat Wagner — whose leadership and dedication have guided CCF from its earliest days to the statewide impact it has today.
Pat reflected on CCF’s journey through the theme “Where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.” Since launching in 2005 with two programs — one connecting adults to careers in the trades and another giving high school students hands-on construction experience — CCF has steadily grown through strong partnerships, legislative grant support, and collaboration with schools, unions, and industry leaders. Over time, programs like the Minnesota Trades Academy, Learn2Build, a robust website and newsletter campaigns have expanded CCF’s reach to thousands of students and educators statewide. Looking ahead, CCF remains focused on providing high-quality, meaningful opportunities that prepare young people for success in the trades through innovative programs and continued investment in mentorship and career readiness.
Pat closed the evening with a message to “Be well. Stay strong. Stay kind.”
As CCF enters its third decade, the organization remains dedicated to strengthening career pathways, deepening partnerships, and inspiring the next generation to see the construction trades as a first-choice career. To everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone — thank you. Your continued support ensures that Minnesota’s construction industry will continue to grow, innovate, and thrive for decades to come.
To stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming programs, including the WeBuild pilot launching this November and future Blueprints to the Trades webinars. Be sure to check out our blog for stories of young people who’ve discovered their future in the construction industry.
A special thank-you to Surly Brewing for hosting us through their Nonprofit Tuesdays program, providing such a beautiful setting for our celebration. We also extend our gratitude to Beth Duyvejonck of OPUS, whose generous support made it possible to honor our partners and reflect on this incredible journey together.
