MTA Lead Frank Williamson Admires the Growth and Motivation of Minnesota Trades Academy Interns
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.