Construction Career Foundation Welcomes Lindsay Tallman to Program Director Role
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 experience for high school students where they obtain hands-on education about construction as a career choice.
“I’m excited to continue to share CCF’s excellent programs with Minnesota educators, and I look forward to being that first call and resource for Minnesota educators who want to share trades opportunities in the world of construction with their students,” Tallman said.
The new program director role will provide program oversight and expansion which is critical to fulfilling the overarching goals of the organization. The role also will involve increasing the number of high schools that offer construction-related courses, actively seeking out input from community members and stakeholders, and exploring new opportunities to implement additional programs.
All programs work to fulfill the nonprofit’s mission of increasing the diversity of entrants into the construction trades and enhancing the access of young people to construction-related employment opportunities.
Transforming Education Development
Raised in Winona, Minnesota, Tallman has more than nine years of experience developing and managing large-scale programming intended to increase career readiness and opportunity for Minnesota students. She holds a bachelor of science in parks, recreation, and leisure studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is pursuing a master’s degree in public and nonprofit administration from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul.
“My experience is heavy in education such as designing and implementing programming efforts and new curriculums for students in K-12, 2-year and 4-year universities,” Tallman said.
Prior to joining CCF, Tallman worked as a program manager for Junior Achievement North, a St. Paul-based nonprofit that seeks to expand the accessibility of educational opportunities for students across the Midwest. Through her work with the organization, Tallman developed financial literacy and career readiness programming in more than 35 Minnesota high schools.
Tallman’s connections, relationship building, and proven advocacy for underrepresented populations will all contribute to her future success in the Program Director role, and to the success of CCF’s mission.
Tallman also held positions such as the director of programs and events for LeadMN, and as the program and events coordinator for the University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute.
History with the Foundation
Tallman was first connected to CCF through her work with Junior Achievement North, which occasionally partners with CCF for programming. It was through that position that Tallman met Sam Ebute, trades navigator for CCF, and collaborated with him to connect students to the Minnesota Trades Academy.
Though she has no construction experience herself, Tallman comes from a large family of construction professionals. Her three brothers all work in the industry as a cement mason, carpenter, and concrete layer.
“I’ve seen first-hand how the union construction trades provide an opportunity for young people to start a successful career with minimal to no debt,” Tallman said. “There are so many possibilities to be unlocked through a career in construction and by exploring the trades early, students have a chance to see how their natural talents shine through and can be used to build a lifelong career.”
Outside of work, Tallman enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, traveling, and attending community events.
Construction Careers are the Future
The Construction Career Foundation is committed to creating opportunities to recruit, prepare and retain motivated individuals in the union construction workforce. To learn more about the Construction Career Foundation’s many programs, visit here.
About Construction Careers Foundation
The Twin Cities 501(c)3 nonprofit was established in 2005 by a group of Minnesota construction employers, management trade associations and labor representation who recognized equally the flourishing opportunity that a career in construction is, the lack of diversity amongst entrants into careers in the Minnesota trades, and the lack of information or messaging surrounding union construction careers. The nonprofit seeks to fill the knowledge gap and offer students resources and opportunities to explore a career in the skilled trades.