Across the United States, high schools have responded to the needs of high achieving high school students by offering numerous opportunities to earn college credits, from AP and IB courses to partnerships where students are taught entry-level college courses in the high school.

For the most part, college credit is geared to students who plan to attend a liberal arts college or university, with courses being offered in subjects such as biology, calculus, world history, or a language, such as Spanish, French or German.

Often overlooked are students who intend to take a different path with their lives following high school. Students who dream of working with both their minds — and their hands – in construction-related careers such as plumbing, pipefitting, welding or ironworking.

Fortunately, that gap in educational opportunities for some high school students is changing. And a good example of this is the Construction and Solar Energy pathways program offered through Mounds View Public Schools (District 621). The program is available to both students of Irondale High School and Mounds View High School, the two public high schools within the 621 District.

“Several years ago, we realized we needed to offer opportunities for our students to learn more about high-demand, high-wage jobs in the construction-related trades,” says Michael Werner, Mounds View School District’s Coordinator of Post-Secondary Planning. “By partnering with the Minnesota State Colleges and University (MnSCU) system, we now not only offer opportunities to begin learning a trade, but a process that allows them to earn credit toward a two-year or four-year degree.”

“In other words, we’re creating more options for our students – they can either pursue a career in construction immediately out of high school, or they can enter a Minnesota state college or university, or both,” Werner says. “More options is a good thing for students who are trying to discern a future career path.”

One such opportunity being offered to students attending the district is the Construction and Solar Energy course. The two-hour, one semester course (September through January) taught by instructor Mark Ahlers, allows students to learn and work together to build a solar-powered ice fishing house that meets real-life building codes.

“Any student in grades 10 through 12 can take the course and learn skills such as basic plumbing, how to produce technical drawings, read building plans, build models/prototypes, and develop safe working practices,” says Werner. “While at the same time, earning credit that can be applied at Century College, one of 30 state colleges and seven universities that comprise MnSCU.

What evolved from a conventional wood construction class has turned into a partnership between the Mounds View School District, Century College, the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence, the St. Paul Building Trades Council, the Minnesota Trades Academy, and Construction Careers Foundation. Through this partnership, students have access to a mobile classroom focused on alternative energy along with the solar lab at Century College.

“The St. Paul Building Trades, Construction Careers Foundation, and the Minnesota Trades Academy have been instrumental in helping Irondale develop this class and curriculum,” says Werner.

“We’re proud to have had a hand in crafting this very special program at Irondale,” says Don Mullin, executive secretary of the St. Paul Building and Construction Trades Council. “The Mounds View school district is doing an amazing job and this program is making a difference in the lives of young people. There is a huge appetite at high schools across our state for programming similar to what Irondale has achieved.”

As part of the MULTI-CRAFT CORE CURRICULUM, students learn from solar installation companies that send representatives to share information and insight about installing solar energy systems. In working with solar installation companies, students gain knowledge about the basic components of a solar energy system, such as how energy works, how to prep for solar panel installation, and how to calculate the cost and the return on investment (ROI) for solar energy systems.

In addition, students participate in fieldtrips outside of class through organizations such as Construct Tomorrow, the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, and Cummins, a manufacturer of engines used in the construction industry. In the future, the high school would like to invite more building trades professionals to come into the classroom and share their insights about careers in construction.

By mid-January, the students will complete their solar-powered ice-fishing house and will sell it to purchase materials needed for program’s next building project. The ice fishing house will likely be sold through an auction.

Building Pathways to the Future

The Construction and Solar Energy class is one of six courses that Mounds View Public Schools recommends as part of its Construction and Solar Energy pathway, a series of courses to prepare students for a future career in the construction industry. The Construction and Power pathway is one of five pathways offered by the school district developed to prepare students for future careers. Those pathways include: Automotive, Business, Engineering & Manufacturing, Construction and Solar Technology, and Liberal Arts.

The other courses within the Construction and Solar Technology pathway series include:

• Intro to Engineering Design I and II
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing
• Digital Electronics
• Engineering and Manufacturing I, II and III
• Welding

Students are encouraged to take a number of general education courses to complement what they’ll be learning in the Construction and Solar Energy pathways program. These courses include:

• ARCC Communications Studies
• ARCC College Writing or AP Lang/Comp or CIS Comp
• ARCC Physics
• ARCC Biology
• ARCC College Algebra
• Energy Concepts

By entering into the Construction and Solar Energy pathway, students start to understand the importance of other subjects such as math or communications to a career in construction.

“Like every other high school in America, we hear students lament, “Why am I studying algebra? How am I going to use it in the real world?” says Werner. “Then they start to get into our Construction and Solar Energy program or our Welding program and begin realize how important math really is to the success of their project.”

“One of the aspects that I like about the program at Irondale is that students see the connection between a career in construction and classes such as math or writing,” adds Mullin. “Math is used by skilled trades professionals every day on the job. Communications is critical to ensuring that everyone on a project team is doing what they should be doing at the right time. The beauty is that in the Construction and Solar Energy class, the students get to see how math is applied in real life. That’s powerful.”

The Construction and Solar Energy program has articulation agreements for courses within the Solar Pathway program at Century College. Articulation agreements allow students to apply credits earned in specific courses in high school toward a degree at Century College.

In addition, students who would like to complete an associate of sciences degree in the Solar Power track at Century College have the opportunity to take additional college courses that meet general education requirements prior to high school graduation, including Anoka-Ramsey college courses in college writing, communications, physics, biology, and college algebra.

“It’s important that students not only pick up valuable skills and earn college credit, but that they recognize construction as a legitimate alternative to college or the military,” says Werner. “Our focus is on letting students experience these types of opportunities before they graduate.”

To learn more about high schools that offer construction-related programs, visit https://constructioncareers.org/careers.

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and share with your 16-year-old self some advice based on what you know now as an adult?

If you’re a teacher, guidance counselor or principal who is trying to help high school students navigate their choices after high school, stop by ConstructionCareers.org website or the Construction Careers Pathways YouTube channel which features more than a dozen videos of construction workers in their 20s, 30s and 40s who share their advice about going into construction.

In a number of these videos, a handful of construction workers admit they tried college and it wasn’t right for them.

With more than 30 different careers in construction to pursue, young Minnesotans may not be exposed to — or even think — the perfect career for them can be found in the construction industry.

But that’s exactly what the Constructioncareers.org website and a free mobile app – Construction Trades – are designed to do: help students find a pathway to a rewarding, purposeful career in the construction industry as a skilled professional.

“We’ve interviewed real Minnesota construction workers about their trade and career path to give students insight about why they should consider a career as a highly trained construction professional,” said Sarah Lechowich, senior director for the Construction Careers Foundation.

After completing her apprenticeship, Mariah Lenon will become a journey-level laborer. One day, Lenon hopes to advance to a foreman and run her own crew. “I want to be able to pave the way for other women thinking of going into a trade,” Lenon said. (Photo Credit: Emily Sweeney)

The Success Stories on Constructioncareers.org are loaded with advice about how to apply for an apprenticeship, what type of work is expected for each construction profession, and reasons why high school students should explore the trades while also exploring going to college or serving in the military.

These success stories show students that skilled trades professionals come from every walk of life.

“When we interview construction professionals, we always ask if there’s any additional information they want to share with us,” Lechowich said. “In nearly every interview we’ve done, the construction professionals said they wished someone – a teacher, a guidance counselor, a coach or a parent – had told them about careers in construction when they were in high school.”

“Even construction workers who were 4.0 students in high school who decided to try college,” she added.

Many of the tradespeople interviewed shared they went to college or joined the military because they felt pressure from family members, teachers and peers.

“Growing up, I was always told by everyone that I need to go to college to be successful,” said 28-year-old Mariah Lenon, who graduated from Minneapolis Community and Technical College with a degree in law enforcement, applied to hundreds of jobs and struggled to make payments on her mounting student debt.

“I ended up working in retail or working multiple jobs, I could barely make ends meet and I knew this was not the life I wanted,” Lenon said.

Today, Lenon is in the second year of her laborer apprenticeship through the LIUNA Local 563 union.

“As an apprentice, I earn three times more money than I did at any job before,” Lenon said. “I can finally provide for my family. We’re comfortable now — I just bought a house and I can even go on vacation.” (Read Mariah’s story.)

https://youtu.be/4xk9liD5Ee0

Diversity and Inclusion in Minnesota’s Construction Industry

Lenon said she was initially intimidated at the idea of starting an apprenticeship because she was a woman.

“When I thought of construction, I thought of old white guys,” Lenon said. “But that’s not true at all, my apprenticeship classes are diverse, I even have two other women in my class.”

Many young people don’t know that Minnesota’s construction industry is growing increasingly diverse.

“Our success stories showcase real Minnesota tradespeople,” Lechowich said. “I play these videos at our events and when we visit schools. I see students being inspired and empowered because the tradesperson in front of them looks just like them and now they have a career they love.”

College is not the only path to success for Minnesota’s graduating high school seniors.

Minnesota’s construction industry offers high-paying jobs with great benefits representing more than 30 different career paths. And it all starts with an apprenticeship for those who are new to the construction industry.

Unlike four-year college students who pay for tuition and books, construction apprentices are paid while they learn on the job.

Apprentices receive hands-on training and mentorship from construction professionals. Students can start an apprenticeship as early as age 18. (Photo Credit: Emily Sweeney)

Most construction apprenticeships throughout the state of Minnesota take between three and five years to complete, after which a young person becomes a journeyperson. Some professions, such as electrical workers and plumbers will require that a person take an exam at the completion of their apprenticeship to earn a license to practice their profession.

Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit organization, is leading a state-wide effort to raise awareness among students, parents and educators about the benefits of a career in the building and construction trades.

“For a long time, there has been a stigma about construction work as a last resort for people who don’t want to go to college or serve in the military,” said Sarah Lechowich, senior director for the Construction Careers Foundation. “In reality, Minnesota’s construction industry has evolved into a technology-driven business where highly skilled technicians are needed to build Minnesota’s buildings and infrastructure. The industry is growing increasingly diverse, and trades professionals receive great benefits such as healthcare insurance and a pension.”

Apprenticeship is a Viable Career Pathway

The Construction Careers Foundation is working with the State of Minnesota, school districts around the state, Minnesota’s top construction companies, and the state’s building and construction trades unions to help high school students learn more about apprenticeships and the long-term career possibilities in construction.

One such resource is the Constructioncareers.org website, where Minnesota youth can learn about the benefits of apprenticeship and understand how the application process differs for a variety of trades.

“Apprenticeship programs pave the way for career-building, and life-long learning by giving members the option to earn stackable credentials,” Lechowich said. “The foundation of the apprenticeship model means young people can continually build their skills, so they always have the opportunity to obtain higher levels of employment in an occupation or industry.”

As a result, Minnesota trade union apprenticeships establish a continual pipeline of qualified workers for local employers while supporting Minnesota’s economy and infrastructure.

Construction careers are in-demand, plus no college debt

Young apprentices quickly learn their skills have practical applications in everyday life. From algebra to measuring, skills practiced in construction trades apprenticeships can be used for a lifetime. (Photo Credit: Emily Sweeney)

Not only is there a great need for the next-generation workforce in the construction trades, jobs are widely available and are often high-paying. What’s more, construction apprenticeships mean young people won’t rack up student debt. Apprentices receive on-the-job training where they learn from a more experienced worker (a journeyperson) and have classroom training at union training centers to complete their knowledge.

“From the day you start your apprenticeship, Minnesota’s construction unions are already investing in you,” Lechowich said. “In an apprenticeship, you get paid to learn a skill that you can immediately put to use to make a respectable living.”

Since 2014, enrollment in registered apprenticeship programs in Minnesota has grown by 27%, which makes it the state’s “third-largest private post-secondary educational institution,” according to a study by the Midwest Economic Policy Institute.

“Minnesota youth who choose to pursue an apprenticeship are still receiving a high-quality education,” Lechowich said. “A construction apprenticeship puts young people on a path to a lifelong career, where they can be successful, skilled and independent.”

Mahaila Houle’s first dream job was to be a ballerina.

Granted this was when she was four years old. Since then, she’s changed a bit. Houle went from future ballerina, to a tomboy, to going to college for art, then psychology, and then on to motorcycle engineering.

While Houle’s journey has had lots of twists and turns already, she’s learned that by being persistent, you can find a career that matters to you. When thinking back to high school and her decisions for the future, Houle said she wished educators taught students about the option of apprenticeship and what careers were available to her.

What connects Houle’s many interests is her curiosity about how things work.

“Growing up, I had never been encouraged by others to look into construction – and for a long time, I didn’t know that women were construction workers, or that a growing number of women were actually in these fields,” the 26-year-old said. “In a way, I felt like I was manipulated by the ‘cookie cutter’ ideas my family, friends and teachers had about going to college after high school, getting a good job, and starting a family.”

With each experience, she learned more about herself, and over time, she discovered an interest in operating heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and excavating machines.

As a member of the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior, Houle enrolled in a pre-training program for members of the Chippewa Tribe to learn how to operate heavy equipment through the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 49.

Eventually, she joined the union as an apprentice.

“Finding a career where I have all these great benefits – a 401k, health insurance, a good pension – is so important. I’m already building a financially stable life for myself,” Houle said. “I can’t imagine not being a part of a union now.”

Read Mahaila Houle’s story here.

Houle on the job site. She receives hands-on training and gets paid to learn through her apprenticeship with Local 49.

Uptake in the Number of Women in Construction
Since 2015, careers in construction and apprenticeship opportunities have received more and more female applicants.

“Nowadays, women are never alone in the construction world,” said Sarah Lechowich, senior director for the Construction Careers Foundation. “Women can be found working in all 30 of the construction careers found on our website, Constructioncareers.org and they hold a variety of roles from apprentice to foreman.”

On average, women accounted for 12.2 percent of all Minnesota construction workers in 2017, according to the most recent data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

“The percentage of women in and joining Minnesota’s construction industry continues to grow each year,” Lechowich said. “Minnesota already is 3 percent above the national average and Construction Careers Foundation is addressing the need to educate young women on careers in construction in middle school and high school, so they have time to explore and consider careers with great benefits and high pay.”

For more stories about women in Minnesota’s construction trades, check out Success Stories on Constructioncareers.org. Through these stories, real construction workers share their experience in Minnesota’s construction trades – how they got into the trades, why construction is right for them, and what they get out of their work. Constructioncareers.org also has lots of information about how to apply for an apprenticeship, what type of work is expected for each construction profession, and reasons why high school students should explore the trades while also exploring going to college or serving in the military.

Suhani Dhawan envisioned her summer would be filled with fun new outdoor camps, playing with her friends in the park, producing videos for her YouTube channel and of course choreographing new dances.

But when everything went virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions, Suhani realized her summer was likely going to be spent indoors and might not be as much fun as she had planned. This was a major concern for her dad, Varun Dhawan, too.

“When school went online, I was worried about what Suhani’s summer would look like,” said Varun. “Most of her camps were transitioning online, and I could tell that she’d spent her whole day in front of a screen, which she would love to, but as a parent I wasn’t too excited. I wanted her to learn and get involved in new skills, but COVID-19 made it hard to find what I was looking for.”

In May, Varun received a parent newsletter about Learn2Build’s summer project kits from St. Anthony Middle School in Minneapolis.

Learn2Build is a summer program for students in grades 4-9 that is filled with exciting activities focused on the construction building trades industry.

In a usual summer camp format, kids would work individually and in teams to learn about construction concepts and designs and build take-home projects replicating “real-world” construction materials and processes. This summer, the Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit that supports Learn2Build, developed summer project kits for young students to create and explore careers in construction from their homes through hands-on activities.

“I read the email and thought – finally, an activity – something hands on for her to make and create,” Varun said. “I signed her up the same day and we were optimistic and excited to receive our first kit.”

The kit was home delivered and it had everything she needed to start working on her project.

Suhani’s first kit taught her how to build a birdhouse. Over the summer, Suhani completed three kits including a mock-tiling project and a geodesic dome built out of newspaper – all from her living room.

Suhani poses with her completed geodesic dome. “It was easier to make than I thought,” Suhani said. “We have paper at home but I didn’t think of building with it before.” PC: Varun Dhawan

“Each kit is construction focused,” said Mary DesJarlais, director of the Learn2Build program. “With every project, students such as Suhani gain a better understanding of construction-related careers and how to use tools while they apply math skills by measuring or learn about real-world science topics like climate change and heat.”

Suhani easily read the kit directions and applied her own mathematics and science skills to each project. But there was one surprise in each kit that left Suhani eager to apply for another one.

“When I received my Learn2Build kit, it was the first time I held real tools,” Suhani said. “It was empowering because I had never seen women in construction before, I didn’t know that was an option for me or that I could be good at it.”

For Varun, these kits were not just DIY projects but a means of empowerment for girls such as Suhani by teaching them that nothing is impossible for them if they put their heart into it. He said the summer projects also help break stereotypes around some professions and interests being known as ‘men-only’ careers.

“When Suhani picked up those tools, I could just see her confidence grow,” Varun said. “I could see a spark in her eyes when she’d open the next kit. As a father, I loved that moment, and I knew she was ready to take on the new challenge.”

Suhani documented her experiences with the Learn2Build kits by having her father photograph each project. She even made a YouTube video about building her first birdhouse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTvGF2NjigI

“A lot of my friends subscribe to my YouTube channel and when they saw I made a birdhouse, they couldn’t believe it,” Suhani said. “They said, ‘you made that, that’s so cool’ and asked me to teach them.”

Suhani’s friends’ reactions to the projects made her even more excited to apply for additional kits.

“I’ve told all my friends about Learn2Build – I really hope they have more projects for afterschool activities, or even if I could get them all year,” Suhani said. “It’s so fun to make things and I miss that most about not being in school, I can’t see my friends and I can’t create things with my hands.”

Suhani uses a screwdriver for the first time to secure screws in her birdhouse. The Learn2Build birdhouse kit comes with all the tools needed to complete the project. PC: Varun Dhawan

For more information about Learn2Build or to apply for a kit, contact Mary DesJarlais at marydesjarlais@gmail.com.

“These projects were the best part of my summer,” Suhani said. “I hope other girls try out these projects too. When I go to high school, I want to do construction classes and learn more about architecture and design.”

Her father expressed similar thoughts. “I loved documenting her projects this summer,” Varun said. “It was a great way for us to bond and we could be flexible and work on the kits during the week or even on the weekends to entertain ourselves.”

For more information on Learn2Build or to explore careers in construction visit ConstructionCareers.org. Watch videos about the construction trades on Construction Career Pathway’s Youtube Channel.

The Learn2Build program is made possible through the support of the Opus Foundation.

Superb hand-eye coordination. Quick reflexes. A steady hand. Spatial awareness, problem solving, and determination are all qualities that describe video game lovers.
Whether you prefer a console, PC, handheld or a VR system, it’s hard to beat the thrill of virtual action and the satisfaction of creating your own world or defeating the boss level.

Gaming is a popular hobby and entertainment activity, and many young people have an interest in turning their passion for video games into a career. Though careers in gaming are increasingly popular, they are also increasingly competitive and not everyone will be able to be a game designer or streamer in the industry. However, there is one career path that mirrors the goals and skills of gaming in nearly every way – construction!

“Just like in gaming, construction requires creativity to build and make things; essentially you are shaping and changing the world around you every day you come to work,” said Sarah Lechowich senior director of the Construction Careers Foundation, which coordinates Construction Career Pathways, a statewide initiative to attract more young people into Minnesota’s construction industry. “It takes a certain determination to make a career in the building industry and the skills practiced while gaming are, interestingly enough, relevant and applicable to construction industry work.”

A student operates a virtual backhoe at a Learn2Build construction event. Many apprenticeship classes require students to use simulators for activities like crane operation, excavation and welding practice. PC: Emily Sweeney

Tools and Tech Collide
You’ve reached the main screen and it’s time to pick some device that will allow you to control the action in the game. Do you go for the controller, the joystick, or the classic keyboard and mouse?

Gamers use a controller as their tool to get the job done, just like construction professionals use hammers, saws and even levers and buttons when operating heavy equipment, such as bulldozers or loading cranes.

“It’s incredibly important to show youth the parallels between their current interests in gaming and careers in construction,” Lechowich said. “What many students don’t think of when they start up a video game is the sensorimotor skills they are practicing such as muscle memory and hand-eye coordination.”

Kyle Reaney, a White Bear Lake Area High School senior said, “I love everything about gaming, I love the role playing, the characters, and I always get to be creative — my imagination is the limit.”

Reaney frequently plays Dungeons & Dragons, where players can solve intricate puzzles and engage in intense battles. Embarking upon imaginary adventures within a fantasy setting, D&D players use their creative minds to construct game characters and work together for a common goal.

“While building a house or working on a stadium requires a bit more training than building a house in Minecraft or organizing a campaign on Dungeons and Dragons, gaming can be a good starting point for youth to explore a career in construction,” Lechowich said.

Those hours spent on Call of Duty and Fortnite may actually be an efficient way to build up sensorimotor skills. Puzzle games, such as Tetris, also train the brain’s problem-solving approach and develop spatial awareness. These talents can be critical on a construction job site – after all, construction is often a puzzle with many moving parts.

For all the gamers with an interest in exploring careers in construction, Constructioncareers.org offers information about how to apply for an apprenticeship, what type of work is expected for each construction profession, and reasons why high school students should explore the trades while also exploring going to college or serving in the military. Visit Constructioncareers.org today to learn more.

One of Sean Robinson’s favorite past-times is playing with his five children. They read, play basketball, and are genuinely excited to spend time together.

A resident of Golden Valley, Minnesota, a suburb in the Twin Cities, Robinson, 39, has found a career to provide for his five children.

After Robinson graduated from high school, he worked odd jobs trying to make ends meet.

Eventually, he wanted a career with great pay and benefits to support himself and his family.

His first step was attending North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where he discovered the career of bricklaying during a class field trip to the BAC Local 1 Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota.

“I went on the field trip and was exposed to laying brick and decided to give the profession a try,” Robinson said. “The pay and benefits that bricklayers receive was appealing. It was a lot more than what I was making at the time.”

After the field trip, Robinson applied for a bricklaying apprenticeship and was accepted into the union.

Introduction to Life Through Bricklaying Apprenticeship

Bricklayers construct walls, partitions, steps, free-standing piers, arches and other structures made of brick. concrete block or other masonry materials. They are knowledgeable about the different types of bricks available, the correct mortar mixtures and how to adapt building methods to different weather conditions.

Robinson’s apprenticeship through the BAC Local 1 Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota is a five-year program where he works a 40-hour week under the guidance of experienced professionals.

“When you first start, you will have difficult days,” said Robinson. “But, over time with the instruction of the journey workers around you, you become better. I’m surprised how much I’ve learned in just three years.”

https://youtu.be/RUVuQKkeQUk

Sean built his career. It’s time to build yours. Watch Sean Robinson describe his construction experience.

Robinson attends night class every other week at the BAC training center where he learns about new bricklaying techniques and materials he can use on the job site.

“The skills that you learn at the BAC training center through your apprenticeship are extremely useful on the job site,” Robinson said. ” You know when other people on the job have not gone through apprenticeship training, it’s a standard respected by all workers in the union.”

Being an apprentice through a union also provides benefits such as healthcare and a retirement pension.

“The wages and benefits allow for myself and my family to live a comfortable life,” Robinson said. “That is something that I was not able to say prior to my apprenticeship as a bricklayer.”

Interested in an Apprenticeship as a Bricklayer? Resource the Construction Trades App. 

“My favorite part of my job is completing something I didn’t think was possible when I walked onto a job site,” said Robinson. “It’s a very rewarding feeling when you look up at a building and knowing that you helped to make it possible.”

The Construction Trades app can be downloaded on Google Play and the Apple Store. The user interface lets youth personalize their app experience and explore construction careers that fit their interests.

To learn more about a career as a bricklayer and to apply for a bricklayer apprenticeship download the Construction Trades app, the first free mobile app for Minnesota youth interested in exploring careers in Minnesota’s construction industry and pursuing an apprenticeship. The new app, created by Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit, is recommended for juniors and seniors in high school and is available for download on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

The Construction Trades app has a seamless interest form to local, paid union apprenticeship opportunities across the state. Better yet, the app makes the search for an apprenticeship easy by pairing a students’ selected career interests with updated career information and opportunities.

Download the app today to view information about more than 30 different careers in Minnesota’s construction trades – from carpenters to electricians to heavy equipment operators.

Carly Carey loves learning, and her enjoyment of gathering and sharing knowledge made teaching a natural career fit. As a middle school English and Social Studies teacher for more than 11 years, when the pandemic started Carey optimistically considered alternative career paths.

“I’ve always loved HGTV – ‘This Old House’ specifically, it’s probably how they investigate problems and at the end of the day they step back and see their work,” Carey said. “My boyfriend looked over at me one day and said, ‘You could do all of this, why not start learning about what jobs are out there.’”

During the first months of the pandemic, Carey looked up Minnesota’s trade unions and shops and plumbing piqued her interest.

Carey is employed by Erik Nelson Plumbing LLC. She is in her first of four years of apprenticeship. PC: Carey

“It’s a lot of critical thinking, and finding creative solutions to problems,” Carey said. “I’ve always been curious about how things work, and I enjoy moving around when I work – previously that looked like an interactive classroom, now it’s assessing barriers in small spaces and planning how I will finish the install.”

Personal Values and Career Choices Align in Construction

“When I had my apprenticeship interview, the first things that stood out to me were the demand for plumbers and community values,” Carey said. “One of my personal values is service and every day I serve the Twin Cities communities around me; that’s incredibly fulfilling work and it makes me excited to go to my job.”

Carey told her family about her career switch and was met with positive reactions and lots of questions about the apprenticeship process.

“Of course, there are misperceptions about working in construction – it being dirty or just lots of men,” Carey said. “That’s really not the case. I have teammates of all ages and technology that makes my job a lot easier.”

Another misconception about the construction trades is that it’s lots of hard physical labor, Carey added.

“First, physical labor is trade dependent and second, I have been active my whole life, whether it was soccer in high school or lacrosse throughout college,” Carey said. “Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I coached two high school lacrosse programs. Now my apprenticeship continues to keep me active and in shape.”

Women are the New Face of Minnesota’s Construction Industry

“Absolutely, women will be at the forefront of Minnesota’s construction industry,” Carey said. “Construction is empowering, it’s creative and rewarding. It’s a career path women have succeeded in and will continue to do great things in; especially as more young women join the trades.”

One of Carey’s personal goals is to share her story about her career transition and apprenticeship experience with more women, especially young women graduating high school who may be doubting what college can offer them.

“When I was in school, no one ever told me about the trades – it was always a push to go to college, even if you didn’t know what you were going to study,” Carey said. “That’s such a bad mentality and consequently our young people suffer by going into great amounts of personal student loan debt, working multiple jobs and often sacrificing their mental health for a degree that does not guarantee a job.”

Follow Carey’s journey as a plumbing apprentice on Instagram @theplumbher. PC: Carey

Carey added, “College does not make sense for everybody. It takes some self-reflection to figure out what kind of life or career you want and that’s really hard and a lot to ask of a young person, so the least we can do as educators is present all the career options to our young people and give them the best resources to succeed.”

A Successful Career in the Trades looks like …

“I went from being in charge of a classroom and students and knowing exactly what I was doing all the time to sometimes having to take a step back at work and learn something new,” Carey said. “That’s the most fulfilling part of my job and also the most challenging part.”

In the next four years of her apprenticeship, Carey looks forward to getting paid to learn new skills, receiving more on-the-job training at worksites around the Twin Cities and eventually becoming a master plumber.

“It’s easy to get down on yourself when you are in the midst of learning so much new information at once,” Carey said. “But I already know this career path will pay off – not just financially, but the skills I’ve learned in my first year alone – looking back I’m amazed at everything that’s second nature to me now, you would never know that a year ago I didn’t know the names of half of these tools.”

Carey also plans to share her skills and knowledge with young women and other underrepresented groups in the construction trades.

“Success to me is having the skills and knowledge to be a master at my work and then be able to teach and mentor other women and minority members in the trades,” Carey said. “I love my work. I love building relationships within my union and within my community. Taking time to reflect on my own interests and career aspirations has changed my life for the better; I hope other women do the same.”

For more information on careers in construction or the plumbing trades, visit ConstructionCareers.org. View more stories like Carey’s on our Success Stories page.

White Bear Lake, Minnesota — In his free time, White Bear Lake High School graduate Nick Berends plays a variety of video games. However, he never thought the gaming skills he develops every day would be relevant to his future career path in construction.

“The first game I really enjoyed growing up was the first Mario Kart,” Berends said. “Now I like shooter games like Battlefield, but I also play games that involve exploring a new world, like Slime Rancher.”

When he’s not building or playing video games, Nick Berends is probably traveling. He enjoys taking trips with his family to Washington state and someday hopes to travel to Europe. PC: Leanne Berends

This summer, Berends still spends his free time playing video games but he also spends 20+ hours a week exploring careers in construction with the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA). The paid skills internship is one of many programs organized by the Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit supported by trade unions, construction companies, a growing list of Minnesota school districts, and the State of Minnesota (DEED).

“Berends and 10 other students are participating in MTA’s Track 2 pathway hosted by White Bear Lake Area High School,” said Mary Stuart, associate director of the Construction Careers Foundation. “This opportunity prepares interns to select a construction career path – union apprenticeship training; construction-related post-secondary tracts; or direct entry into the construction workplace, if desired.”

Over a nine-week period, the interns visit up to 16 different apprenticeship training centers where they receive training and supervision from industry experts as they complete projects using both hand and power tools.

“Being able to visit the different trades to learn about what they do is super important,” Berends said. “Participating in hands-on activities like laying bricks or cutting metal or operating machines helped me figure out what I like to do and what things I am good at.”

Throughout the union tours, Berends discovered that his dexterity skills and ability to operate controllers while looking at a field of objects were skills used every day by operating engineers who belong to the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49.

“I am most interested in a career with Operating Engineers Local 49,” Berends said. “We got the chance to operate the heavy machinery on site and it reminded me of the video games I play — just a lot cooler because I was interacting in a real environment.”

New Perspective on Secondary Education

Visiting different unions provided Berends with the perspective that a career in construction through union apprenticeship is just as valuable as a college education or joining the military.

“I’m a triplet and while you can tell Kyle and Jack (Berends’ brothers) and I are related, we all have different interests and skills,” Berends said. “They are interested in more mechanical work than I am. But I am interested in learning to weld and gaining skills that I can use around the house.”

Berends said his parents are supportive of his choice to pursue the construction trades and apprenticeship pathway.

“They want me to be happy and be able to take care of myself,” Berends said. “People always come to me for help with labor or fixing things, so they are not surprised that this work is interesting to me.”

Berends said he is ready to start a career in construction. His first step is getting a license this fall so he can drive himself to worksites and to the union training center to apply for an apprenticeship.

Want to Learn More?

For more information about the Minnesota Trades Academy visit the Program page on ConstructionCareers.org. To read more Rock-Solid Success Stories, click here.

Brooklyn Center, Minnesota — From steak and mac ‘n cheese to shrimp fried rice, Tyrrice Maybell cooks it all. Many of the 18-year-old’s favorite memories growing up have revolved around learning to cook. He practices regularly, serving his mother and younger brother their favorite foods.

“Cooking is a passion of mine. I’m a laid-back guy but I’m determined to perfect new recipes and make meals even better,” Maybell said. “One day, I want to go to culinary school, but I need to find work to save up before I start taking classes.”

In his free time, Maybell enjoys listening to R&B music, playing basketball and spending time with family and friends. PC:Emily Sweeney

After graduating from Brooklyn Center High School this spring, Maybell started to explore what his future career and education options might look like.

“I did not want to finish high school and jump into college. And I also wasn’t really passionate about committing to the military,” Maybell said. “One of my teachers, Ms. Gloge, recommended that I apply to the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) and I looked into it.”

Maybell had not considered a career in construction before. For Maybell, MTA’s paid summer internship program served as both a summer job and a skill builder for his future career decisions.

“You have to interview to be accepted into the program and that really stressed me out,” Maybell said. “But once I got into the room and started talking, I became more confident.”

New Goals and Ambitious Projects
Construction Careers Foundation is a statewide nonprofit, based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, that’s supported by trade unions, construction companies, a number of Minnesota school districts, and the State of Minnesota (DEED). The nonprofit created the Minnesota Trades Academy to serve students ages 16 to 20 years old, who primarily live in the Twin Cities metro area – exposing them to apprenticeship opportunities in Minnesota’s construction industry.

“The intent of the Minnesota Trades Academy,” said ConstructionCareers.orgy Stuart, associate director of the Construction Careers Foundation, “is to offer a hands-on learning experience that can help a young person see that there’s another option besides college or the military – it’s a career with Minnesota’s construction and building trades.”

But the Minnesota Trades Academy experience goes beyond learning construction skills such as how to wield a hammer or how to use a saw. It also teaches good communication, teamwork and the importance of planning.

“My favorite project that I have worked on was building dressers,” Maybell said. “Teamwork helped us get the job done quickly and we were so focused on our goal that we stayed on top of our responsibilities.”

Maybell also learned the names and uses of the tools on site. He practiced using a power saw and has improved his measuring skills.
“You have to be accurate in everything you do in construction,” Maybell said. “1/16 of an inch matters and it’s a measurement we use often.”

Considering A Career in Construction
“From this experience, I would definitely consider a career in construction or apprenticeship,” Maybell said. “I just needed the experience to test it out for myself and learn more about what careers are out there. So far, being an electrician interests me the most.”

Maybell also has advice for students considering what their next step after high school is.

“It’s a pretty good experience and you just have to keep an open mind to learn it all,” Maybell said. “There are opportunities (like MTA) out there, you just need to be willing to try them. Who knows, maybe it will be the right fit for you.”

For more information on the Minnesota Trades Academy visit the Program page on ConstructionCareers.org. To read more Rock-Solid Success Stories about young people exploring careers with Minnesota’s construction and building trades, click here.