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When Joe Flores graduated from Humboldt High School in 2009, he wasn’t interested in going to college. Given the opportunity to enroll as an apprentice with Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers Local 1, he went for it.
On Wednesday he returned to Humboldt as a journey-level bricklayer – with a message for the school’s seniors about the value of construction careers.
“If you are not planning on going to college, it’s a good option . . .” Flores said. “I like the hands-on type of work. I actually want to open my own company someday. That’s what I’m working at.”
Flores was one of several Building Trades members who mixed with students at the first-ever “Construct Tomorrow” program sponsored by the Apprenticeship Coordinators Association, the Associated General Contractors and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry in cooperation with the St. Paul Public Schools.
Some 120 Humboldt seniors viewed a short video about apprenticeship, then got the chance to try their hand at several trades, including painting, iron work and heavy equipment operation. Union members like Flores talked with the students about everything from the nature of their work to the pay and benefits available to unionized construction workers.
The Building Trades have participated in many job fairs, alongside colleges and employers, but “Construct Tomorrow” is a new program focused almost exclusively on construction careers.
Humboldt High School Principal Mike Sodomka was enthusiastic when approached about hosting the first “Construct Tomorrow.”
“College is a path for many of our students, but college is not a path for everyone,” he said. “We’re trying to open doors for our kids and create opportunities for them after they graduate.”
Rick Martagon, president of the Apprenticeship Coordinators Association of Minnesota, said the organizers of “Construct Tomorrow” are working to identify other schools that would like to feature the program.
The construction industry needs to plan now to replace the many skilled workers who will be retiring in coming years. The industry also needs a diverse workforce to meet the requirements of publicly funded projects.
Martagon, who grew up in the neighborhood near Humboldt, told students why he is excited about working in the construction industry.
“I was lucky to find a career that I love,” he said. “I’ve made a great living, been able to provide for my family and I’ve made a lot of friends along the way.”
More information on apprenticeships through the Building Trades is available at www.constructioncareers.org
