Secondary Education Planning and COVID-19<\/strong><\/p>\n Many Minnesota high school graduates are unsure if college is the right path for them, especially when it comes to paying thousands of dollars for classes that may go online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n Across all U.S. colleges and universities, freshman enrollment has dropped more than 16 percent from last year, with declines in every region and at nearly every type of institution, reported the New York times in October 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, Minnesota\u2019s construction union leadership and training centers are reaching out to high school students to supply critical education apprenticeship opportunities for students seeking to start a career right after high school and earn a living wage through skills training.<\/p>\n \u201cWith COVID-19 restrictions and safety regulations in place at the training centers and made available on union websites and apprenticeship applications, the pathway for apprenticeship still means young people will have the opportunity for a hands-on education \u2014 just with safety procedures, social distancing and smaller class sizes in place,\u201d Lechowich said.<\/p>\n For example, the Minneapolis Plumbers JATC<\/a> takes applications for both the Minneapolis and St. Cloud apprenticeship programs from January 4 \u2013 28, 2021<\/a>. The union\u2019s website is updated to include COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines including social distancing measures and masking to be followed when filling out applications. Other locals have replaced in-person testing and applications with virtual trainings and online formats.<\/p>\n \u201cStarting an apprenticeship with Local 15 is the beginning of a career,\u201d said Trevor Ogilvie, Minneapolis Plumbers JATC Training Director<\/a>. \u201cEspecially during a pandemic \u2014 finding work or starting a career is challenging. Through union work, apprentices earn a salary as they train, and classroom instruction only requires a small fee or is covered.\u201d<\/p>\n A student holds lines of shingles for his teammates to staple down. For many young people, the first step to a career in the construction trades is being able to explore tools and design. PC: Karin Ellefson *Pre-COVID19<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n REASONS TO CHOOSE APPRENTICESHIP<\/strong><\/p>\n Careers in the skilled trades are challenging, exciting and rewarding. A career in the skilled trades allows you to focus on your future one that\u2019s high paying, engaging and community focused.\u00a0Apprenticeship will teach you real-world skills in an industry that gives young people an advantage through solid benefits:<\/p>\n CERTIFIED AND RECOGNIZED EARN A GOOD SALARY PREMIUM HEALTH INSURANCE POWERED BY TECHNOLOGY ENGAGING COMMUNITY-FOCUSED THE NEXT STEP TO EXPLORE APPRENTICESHIP<\/strong> Educators and students should resource ConstructionCareers.org<\/a> to view video interviews of real Minnesota construction workers and learn about 30 different careers in construction. Check out the Careers page<\/a> to read about each careers\u2019 wages, apprenticeship offerings, key skills and benefits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a construction apprentice, you aren\u2019t just training for a job, you\u2019re building a career. Technical instruction with on-the-job training equips you with the industry-specific knowledge you need to perform highly skilled work in Minnesota\u2019s construction industry. In August 2019, 144,575 professionals were employed in Minnesota\u2019s construction sector, according to a Minnesota Employment and Economic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/constructioncareers.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/4IIVWO19SvGVbnEGfzas8A_thumb_306-1-300x199.jpg\")
\nUpon completion of your apprenticeship, you earn a nationally recognized credential in a highly skilled, in-demand occupation of your choice. Some trades require apprentices to pass licensing exams, which allows you to work in multiple states or be registered within Minnesota.<\/p>\n
\nSkills pay the bills. As an apprentice, you will earn a good living while you master in-demand skills. You are actively employed and earning an income on day one as you train in your occupation by your employer. Your wages continue to grow as you master your training. Find your path and explore more than 30 construction careers at Constructioncareers.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nEarn higher wages and receive better benefits with a stable career in the trades. Your employer-provided premium health insurance will keep you covered without making you feel strapped for cash. All benefits are beyond your hourly wage, so it won\u2019t come out of your paycheck.<\/p>\n
\nInnovation leads the way in the construction industry. Technology shapes how construction professionals do their jobs and helps bring complex projects to life.<\/p>\n
\nNo two projects are ever alike, keeping the work exciting. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to grow and advance through continued education and training opportunities.<\/p>\n
\nActively build your community \u2014 literally! Vision and teamwork combine in the building trades to create a lasting legacy you can be proud to show your family and friends.<\/p>\n
\nConstructionCareers.org<\/a> offers an interest form for youth interested in pursuing an apprenticeship as their next career step. A trades navigator or representative will in turn contact the student with next steps toward apprenticeship and can connect students with existing apprenticeship programs and employers.<\/p>\n