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Construct Tomorrow Builds Bridges Between Youth and Trade Unions

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 the best choice for them, there is a third choice – a career as a skilled worker in Minnesota’s construction industry.

Construct Tomorrow, a nonprofit dedicated to bolstering the skilled trades in Minnesota, provides Minnesota high school students a hands-on learning experience with leaders from local trade unions to help them understand if a career in construction is right for them. Construct Tomorrow is one of several programs offered through the Construction Career Pathways, a state-wide effort supported by public and private sources, construction companies, trade unions, school districts, and the state of Minnesota, all focused on building awareness among students, parents and educators about careers in Minnesota’s construction industry.

Throughout the coming year, Construct Tomorrow will host a series of hands-on events at Minnesota high schools, both in the Twin Cities and in outstate areas, such as the Iron Range or southern Minnesota. For example, in October, students from multiple high schools in St. Paul and the East Metro attended a Construct Tomorrow event at Washington Technology Magnet School, which will gave them the opportunity to talk with trade union representatives about careers in construction.

“These events offer high schools an opportunity to raise awareness about careers in Minnesota’s construction industry among their students,” said Kim Maher, co-chair of the Construct Tomorrow board of directors. “Students genuinely respond to the hands-on experiences we offer, as well as the ability to talk directly, face-to-face with a trade union representative about what a career as an electrician or a pipefitter would really be like.”

Upon arrival, students receive a Construct Tomorrow rucksack with pamphlets about the trades as well as a bingo card, where each square represents a trade. Students then enter the space where all the trade unions’ booths are set-up, allowing students to speak directly to a union’s apprenticeship coordinator and try their hand at a skilled trade. For example, if a student visits the ironworkers’ booth, students practice strapping on a harness and walking along a beam. If they visit the pipefitters’ booth, students attach extensions to a pipe. Students also work with simulators, such as simulated welding machine.

“This isn’t just good for the students who go, it’s an opportunity for teachers and guidance counselors to learn about the skilled trades as a viable alternative to college or the armed forces,” Maher added. “The skilled trades are not a college back-up plan, they are some of the most important jobs in Minnesota and a first choice for more and more students.”

Founded six years ago, Construct Tomorrow has hosted dozens of events for Minnesota high school students, including students from underrepresented groups in construction such as women and people of color, who are in high demand to meet the growing need for skilled workers in the years to come.

In addition to the upcoming event in St. Paul, Construct Tomorrow has six more events planned for the 2018-2019 academic year:

  • Mankato — Mankato Verizon Center on November 28, 2018
  • Saint Cloud — St. Cloud State University Field House on January 30, 2019
  • East Grand Forks – East Grand Forks High School on Feb. 12, 2019
  • Hinckley — Hinckley Grand Casino Ballroom on February 21, 2019
  • Duluth — Duluth (DECC) Convention Center, February 26-27, 2019
  • Twin Cities (West Metro) — Cooper High School, Robbinsdale, Minn., on March 5, 2019

To learn more about Construct Tomorrow and careers in construction, visit ConstructionCareers.org.

About Construct Tomorrow

Construct Tomorrow is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through awareness of the career opportunities in the building and construction trades for all youth. They provide experiences for youth through hands-on events that develop awareness of the variety of opportunities available and elevate the understanding youth have of the value of the building and construction trade unions.

For more information, contact:

Stephen Dupont

Pocket Hercules

stephen.dupont@pockethercules.com

612-435-8315