{"id":2678,"date":"2022-05-25T19:11:40","date_gmt":"2022-05-25T19:11:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/constructioncareers.org\/?p=2678"},"modified":"2022-08-24T16:49:24","modified_gmt":"2022-08-24T16:49:24","slug":"4-education-paths-to-start-your-rewarding-career-in-minnesotas-construction-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/constructioncareers.org\/4-education-paths-to-start-your-rewarding-career-in-minnesotas-construction-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Education Paths to Start Your Rewarding Career in Minnesota\u2019s Construction Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to students\u2019 different learning styles and working preferences, careers in Minnesota\u2019s construction industry boast a variety of accredited, post-secondary learning opportunities that help students assess their interests and pursue the line of education that best aligns with their career goals and learning style.<\/p>\n

\u201cA career in construction offers numerous areas for advancement. For example, you could join an apprenticeship and learn hands-on skills to become a sought-after trades professional in a field like cement masonry or carpentry, or you can take on college courses to manage a team or become a surveyor,\u201d said Mary Stuart, Associate Director of the Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit that introduces young people to careers in construction through educational opportunities.<\/p>\n

The Construction Career Foundation\u2019s priority audience is reaching students who are making the big decisions about what\u2019s next for them after high school.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe educate students, guardians, and counselors that a young person\u2019s choice to pursue a career in construction has many learning and skill building pathways,\u201d Stuart said. \u201cOnce he\/she becomes a journey worker or professional tradesperson, that is not the end of the road \u2013 there are more educational opportunities offered to build skills and grow a career.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are four post-secondary pathways to a career in construction: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Apply For Union Apprenticeship<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are two types of apprenticeship programs: Registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs), or non-registered programs, also known as industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs).<\/p>\n

RAPs have been validated either federally by the U.S. Department of Labor or locally by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and meet specific standards set by those agencies. IRAPs are not registered with a government agency and are not tied to the government requirements.<\/p>\n

\u201cMinnesota has more than 11,000 registered apprentices, over 10,000 are in union construction apprenticeship programs,\u201d according to Jennifer Hathaway, communications manager for the\u00a0Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council<\/a>. \u201cThe union construction industry has 54 privately funded registered apprenticeship programs around the state, serving as the primary training pipeline for people entering the construction industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Registered apprentices receive wages for their on-the-job work, which increase incrementally as they progress through their apprenticeship training. In other words, they get paid to learn the skills they will use in their careers.<\/p>\n

\u201cApprentices get paid to learn the skills they need for their construction career through in-classroom learning and on-the-job training,\u201d said Mary Stuart. \u201cDue to the high demand for craft professionals many unions have scholarships available to decrease or eliminate tuition costs and they will often directly hire apprentices to full-time positions upon completion of the program.\u201d<\/p>\n

In general, apprenticeship programs can last up to four years and during this time apprentices also earn additional industry recognized credentials and certifications to represent their skills and knowledge progression. For some professions, passing a state-administered exam is required at the end of the apprenticeship to obtain a license to work in a trade.<\/p>\n

Enroll for An Associate Degree<\/strong><\/p>\n

Local community colleges also offer degree programs relevant to the construction industry, like an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). For a fraction of the cost of university tuition, students get experience in classes that cover topics like\u00a0hand tools, masonry\u00a0and power tools.<\/p>\n

Often specialized trade classes are also available such as wiring, plumbing, and blueprint reading. The average associate degree\u00a0takes two years to complete, so it\u2019s a fast-track way\u00a0to start\u00a0a career in construction.<\/p>\n

Get an Undergraduate Degree<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many universities offer different construction-based degrees. After reviewing the educational requirements of each major such as course subjects and program lengths, students can pursue a major that matches his\/her professional interests.<\/p>\n

Considering pairing an interest in construction with a 4-year degree, consider:<\/p>\n