National Apprenticeship Week: Graduate Stories
For National Apprenticeship Week, a week-long celebration highlighting the value of Registered Apprenticeship programs, we want to highlight some of our recent BSC graduates. Read their stories about how BSC and registered apprenticeships changed their life.
Kirbi Glowaski is proudly following in her late father’s footsteps in construction and as a member of Operating Engineers Local 49, thanks to Building Strong Communities and the Local 49 Training Center in Hinckley, Minn.
A single mom of two, Kirbi was seeking a career change when she discovered Building Strong Communities. One of the program highlights for her was the Apprenticeship Readiness Training (ART) at the Local 49 Training Center. Participants learned equipment fundamentals and connected with industry representatives.
While in training, Kirbi secured a position with Gordon Construction as an oiler, responsible for maintaining excavators on-site. “Working in construction is a process,” Kirbi explained. She plans to become an apprentice, journeyworker, and eventually a foreman.
Kirbi is motivated by her family and dreams of homeownership. “My dad died of cancer in 2019, but he has always been my inspiration. I think he would be very proud of me.”
In November, Kirbi was officially sworn in as a member of Operating Engineers Local 49.
Kris Tornow found a new path through Building Strong Communities after battling addiction and seeking a fresh start in Duluth, Minnesota. He joined a construction preparatory program with SOAR Career Solutions, where his caseworker connected him to the program.
“The course started in January and ran until May, but I started my job in April and graduated as soon as I started working,” Kris said. The program provided training on handling workplace stress and navigating professional situations. Participants also met union professionals who shared insights about trades and career opportunities.
Now employed by ACCT Inc., a signatory contractor in Cloquet, Minn., Kris works as a laborer specializing in asbestos removal. “I’m working 10-hour days, six days a week. It’s been awesome to make spaces safe for people and the environment,” he shared.
Before this, Kris managed a sober house and delivered pizzas while turning his life around. “I had to leave my old environment to make something of myself,” he said. Building Strong Communities became his pathway to joining a union, supporting him with initiation fees, work boots, and tools.
Kris encourages others to enroll in the program. “It changed my life. I make a good wage, and I’ve learned so much,” he said. “If a guy like me can turn his life around, anyone can. This program truly has your best interests at heart.”
With the support of family, friends, and SOAR, Kris embraced this opportunity and is grateful for the chance to rebuild his future.
Natalie Pilrain is living her dream as a heavy equipment operator. “I love the work—it doesn’t feel like work because I enjoy what I do,” she said. Her favorite equipment is the skid loader, which she uses for pushing dirt and smoothing areas.
Her journey began last year when a high school contact introduced her to Jenny Winkelaar of Operating Engineers Local 49 and Building Strong Communities. After expressing her interest in operating equipment, Natalie joined the program. She then trained at the Local 49ers Apprenticeship Training Center in Hinckley, Minn., where she gained hands-on experience.
During a “meet and greet” at the training center, Natalie connected with industry professionals and was soon offered a position with Ames Construction. Previously a stay-at-home mom working part-time, Natalie now operates heavy equipment and dreams of expanding her skills to include cranes.
“My family is very supportive,” she said, adding that her young son, a fan of trucks, would be thrilled to see her work. Natalie hopes to eventually become a foreman or work at the union training center. “I highly recommend Building Strong Communities,” she said. “They made my career possible.”
Eric Frazier, originally from Gary, Indiana, now calls Minnesota home. At 48 years old, Eric has recently embarked on a successful career in the construction industry through the Building Strong Communities (BSC) program. His journey hasn’t been easy; as a former felon who spent over half his life in federal prison, he faced significant challenges upon reentering society. His first job post-release was in a paper mill, where he worked diligently for nearly two years before the company closed its doors.
Just before his last day, Eric learned about a seminar introducing opportunities in the construction field. Drawn to working with his hands, he attended the seminar, a decision that would change his life. Reflecting on his experience, Eric often recalls the saying, “When God closes one door, He opens another,” and he’s grateful that BSC opened that new door for him. The program provided not only the technical skills but also the emotional intelligence training crucial for success in the field.
BSC’s supportive, hands-on approach impressed Eric. Even with 85 students in his class, instructors knew each participant by name and offered personalized guidance. Weekly sessions featured professionals from various trades who shared insights and invited students to their training centers for hands-on practice. Eric chose to become a laborer and found work with a concrete company even before completing the program. Despite this, the BSC team has continued to support him, providing essentials like boots and tools, and checking in regularly to ensure he’s thriving in his new career.
Today, Eric enjoys steady work with opportunities for travel, a supportive network, and a newfound sense of family among his colleagues. His gratitude for BSC is immense; he knows that their continued support and belief in him have been instrumental in building a stable and rewarding career in construction.
Nicole from Forest Lake, MN, transitioned to the trades after finding office work too sedentary. Seeking a career with hands-on opportunities, on-the-job training, and a higher wage without incurring more student loan debt, she pursued a union apprenticeship.
Nicole discovered Building Strong Communities (BSC) while exploring the Xcel Energy Power Up Program on the Minnesota DEED website. She was drawn to BSC for its hands-on exposure at union training centers, a critical step in her career shift.
After completing the program, Nicole chose to pursue an apprenticeship as an Ironworker and is currently involved in various projects. Reflecting on her experience, she appreciates how BSC equips participants with the tools to succeed in the trades.
For those considering a career in construction, Nicole highlights BSC as an excellent preparatory program. “BSC provides information, resources, connections to the right people, and hands-on exposure to various skilled trades,” she said. This comprehensive approach helps individuals make informed decisions about their future in construction.
Nicole’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of BSC, offering a clear path to a rewarding, hands-on career in the trades.
Ben Kinsman took a unique path to his career by joining the Building Strong Communities (BSC) program. With a personal journey that includes overcoming challenges like ADHD and navigating struggles in school, Ben found that traditional college wasn’t the right fit. He knew he wanted a career where he could work with his hands, creating and building in tangible ways. Encouraged by his mother, who serves on the BSC board, Ben took the leap and joined the program—a choice that has made all the difference.
Now an apprentice with Industrial Painters Local 61, Ben is proud to represent a trade that gives him purpose and potential. Reflecting on his experience and his decision to join the Building Strong Communities program, he says, “hand to God, it’s the best decision I ever made. This opportunity offers a golden ticket into the trades.” Ben’s passion and dedication have paved the way for him as the first high school graduate of the BSC program. For others who feel disconnected from the idea of college or are ready to move beyond minimum-wage work, he’s quick to recommend the program as a powerful step toward a fulfilling career.
Amber Patino-Linley was looking for a career change when she started searching online for skilled trade positions. Amber was working as a delivery driver at the time and came across the Building Strong Communities website.
“It was a really good experience because I was able to work during the day while I attended online evening courses at home two days a week,” said Amber. The course lasted six weeks and she finished in April of this year. “It was fast and easy. If you complete all the work, you will be successful,” she said.
Through the Building Strong Communities program, Amber said she made connections with the Roofers and Waterproofers Local 96 union representative and became a member. She was then able to accept a position with a contractor doing building waterproofing. “I complete waterproof seal coating on building foundations,” she said.
Amber said most of her jobs are in the Twin Cities metro area, and she is currently working on the University of Minnesota campus in St. Paul. She said the Building Strong Communities cohort program was challenging, but very rewarding.
“I’ll be able to be financially stable, have a good career and a pension when I retire,” said Amber. “I have a career and not just a job.”
Christopher VonVille overcame addiction and found a new career path through Soar Career Solutions, which led him to Building Strong Communities. “My struggles with addiction were a reason for my getting into the program,” Christopher shared. The program included workshops on safety, emotional intelligence, and hands-on training at the Iron Workers Local 512 Training Center in Duluth, Minn.
Initially uncertain about his career direction, Christopher discovered a passion for tile work, an area he had some familiarity with from past construction experience in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and flooring. “I wanted to get hands-on experience working on tile installation and finishing,” he said.
Christopher is now a registered apprentice with Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers Local 1, working for a commercial flooring company in Duluth. He credits his success to the program and the support of his family. Rick Martagon, Executive Director of Building Strong Communities, played a pivotal role in guiding him toward tile work.
Looking ahead, Christopher aims to become a journeyworker within four years and hopes to mentor others entering the trade. “I hope to be the person training new people,” he said.
Dorlisa Flournoy transitioned from a temp job in the medical device field to becoming an operating engineer through Building Strong Communities. Five months after discovering the program in early 2024, she’s now working with heavy equipment on her second road construction project in Shakopee, Minn.
Initially uncertain about her prospects, Dorlisa found the program transformative. It offered more than technical training, focusing on job readiness and emotional intelligence.
The program, spanning February to April, included five days a week of instruction and one eight-hour Saturday class. Dorlisa also earned CPR and First Aid certifications and passed a special skills exam in math, reading, and measurements. “We also got to play in the dirt with the equipment,” she said.
Her training concluded with hands-on projects and on-site observation of structural metal work. “I loved working with the instructors and students,” said Dorlisa. Reflecting on the sacrifices and hard work, she encourages others: “Never doubt yourself. It was worth it and a great experience.”
Dorlisa is excited about her career in construction, seeing it as the fulfillment of a long-held passion. “Everything happens for a reason,” she said, grateful for the opportunity that changed her life.
Originally from Michigan, Steve Lee has called Minnesota home for 13 years. With a background in Electrical Engineering, Steve was three years into his degree when financial circumstances forced him to put his education on hold. A conversation with a cousin introduced him to the electrician apprenticeship path, sparking his interest in the trade. The idea of integrating school with hands-on work resonated with him.
Balancing work and education wasn’t easy, but Steve found the motivation he needed to pursue a career in the trades through the Building Strong Communities (BSC) program. Encouragement from Thomas Scott, who highlighted the program’s benefits, solidified his decision to join. “I’m glad I completed the BSC program. The work is time-consuming, but it helps with getting a foot in the door,” Steve shared.
Now an electrical apprentice with IBEW Local 110, Steve credits the BSC program for its supportive environment, advocacy, and practical trade exposure. He also appreciates the financial assistance it provided for tools, a crucial component for starting out in the field.
Steve is passionate about encouraging others to explore opportunities with BSC. He believes the program is a valuable stepping stone for individuals considering a career in the trades. His journey from Electrical Engineering student to apprentice electrician serves as an inspiring example of resilience and the transformative power of programs like BSC.
Apply today!
To learn more about program requirements and how to apply, please join us for one of our Building Strong Communities program virtual information sessions. Please check our “Information Sessions” page for scheduled dates and times.