Christopher

Christopher VonVille was successfully recovering from addiction when he and his wife discovered Soar Career Solutions where they attended career workshops and training. “They connected me with Building Strong Communities,” said Christopher. “My struggles with addiction were a reason for my getting into the program,” he added.

The online courses through North Hennepin Community College started in February of this year and ran through April, meeting three nights a week. Building Strong Communities helped Christopher get a laptop, tools and a connection to the trades.

“There was a lot of coursework and homework including one on emotional intelligence which prepared us for the rigors of working in the construction trades,” said Christopher.

Christopher said union representatives lectured on safety, equipment and tools followed by a day at the Iron Workers Local 512 Training Center near Duluth, Minn., focused on physical awareness. “People in the trades spoke to us and helped us make connections,” said Christopher. “We were able to practice mock interviews online with people in various trades.” After one such interview, Christopher received a call with a job offer. “They called me and I said yes!”

When he started the program, Christopher said he wasn’t exactly sure what trade he wanted to work in and was seeking ideas. Ultimately, the program helped steer him to an area that he had some familiarity – which was tile work.

“I wanted to get hands-on experience working on tile installation and finishing,” said Christopher. He also has past experience in construction, including basic skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry and flooring.

“I did janitorial work for over 10 years and various other jobs,” he added. “Now I’m an apprentice for a commercial flooring company out of Duluth.”

“I had tons of support from my family,” said Christopher. “My wife is a drug and alcohol counselor and we have four kids,” he added. Christopher said he’s now a registered apprentice with Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers Local 1 Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Christopher said Rick Martagon, the Executive Director of Building Strong Communities, helped him make the final decision to get into tile work. He is very appreciative of Rick’s guidance and advice throughout the course of the program.

“When I got the call for the job offer, it was for a two-week trial run,” said Christopher. “That was over three weeks ago,” he added.

Christopher said he hopes to gain more experience in tile work and become a journeyworker within the next four years. “I hope to be the person training new people.”

Amber

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 in November of 2023. She filled out an application and soon received an email followed by a 10-minute phone interview and she was accepted into the program.

“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.

“I like the hours and I like the work I do,” said Amber. “Every day is a different location in a different building,” she added. “Building Strong Communities gave me all the information I needed to navigate the people and situations in a male-dominated field,” said Amber. “At first I was intimidated, but it’s a lot different than I expected – in a good way.”

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.”

Dorlisa

“Construction work was calling me,” said Dorlisa Flournoy. She was working for a temp agency in the medical device field when an online search brought her to Building Strong Communities in early 2024. Her passion was always in the construction field. Now, five months after that initial contact, Dorlisa is an operating engineer working with heavy equipment.

Her first road construction project was completed in Rosemount, Minn. this summer.

“This is my second project,” said Dorlisa, referring to her current project in Shakopee. Weather is a factor, especially rain, when working construction. Dorlisa shared her story during some rain-related downtime.

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” said Dorlisa. She is so thankful for coming across Building Strong Communities during her internet search.

“I had lots of doubts,” said Dorlisa regarding her feelings before being accepted into the program. The program helps with more than just technical training – it is also focused on giving the candidates every advantage possible when job hunting. She said that in addition to the two evenings a week at North Hennepin Community College, there was a lot of homework on topics like construction site etiquette. The Multi-Core Craft Curriculum classes with experienced construction people were held two evenings a week. An additional evening class with Twin Cities Rise featured emotional intelligence.

Dorlisa said she also spent four weeks in the program’s Apprenticeship Readiness Training(ART) at the Local 49 Training Center (International Union Operating Engineers) in Hinckley, Minn. This provided even more classroom training on using the equipment.

After wrapping up she took a special exam to test her skills in math, reading and measurements – and was excited to learn she passed. She also received her CPR and First Aid certification. “We also got to play in the dirt with the equipment.”

“The entire program was three months long, from February to April, five days a week and included one eight-hour Saturday class on the fundamentals of construction work,” said Dorlisa. “We completed the hands-on portion in the final week of the course. I was also able to observe structural metal work on heating and ventilation systems on actual work sites to observe, ask questions and be hands-on,” she said.

“I loved working with the instructors and students and appreciate them,” said Dorlisa about her Building Strong Communities experience. “Never doubt yourself,” said Dorlisa. “It was a lot of sacrifice, but in the end it was worth it and a great experience.”

Ames Construction

Ames Construction’s journey with the Building Strong Communities (BSC) program began in September 2019, when Jenny Winkelaar extended an invitation to attend an introductory meeting. Intrigued by the program’s potential, Ames decided to explore further.

The initial process of becoming a signatory contractor was smooth and collaborative. Ames was actively involved in shaping the program, providing valuable feedback that was respected and integrated into BSC’s development. This inclusive approach fostered a sense of partnership from the outset.

One of the highlights of working with BSC for Ames Construction has been the mutual respect and open communication. The organization’s willingness to listen and incorporate feedback has made the collaboration both productive and enjoyable.

“Signatory contractors play a vital role in the building trades, not only for their expertise in delivering projects with excellence but also for their invaluable feedback and commitment to two-way communication, said  Rick Martagon, Executive Director of Building Strong Communities. “By actively engaging with workers and stakeholders, they ensure that projects meet exacting standards, adhere to safety protocols, and foster a collaborative environment that promotes continuous improvement and innovation.”

Ames values its relationship with BSC, appreciating the opportunities it brings to contribute to the growth and development of the construction industry. 

Minneapolis

Cecelia thought about her future often. She had always planned on going to college but needed to make ends meet, so she began working as a pizza delivery driver. While thinking about her next steps, she heard about Building Strong Communities, a multi-trade apprenticeship readiness program that introduces women, people of color and veterans to the building and construction trades.  

After applying and being accepted to the Building Strong Communities program, she found that she liked the laborers union, “there is so much to learn, you never get bored,” Cecelia said. After becoming a laborer apprentice this summer Cecelia says “I’ve gained a lot of self-confidence being in the apprenticeship program. I am learning how to do my job and I’m good at it. As a laborer, I learn lots of different things. Once I’m done with my apprenticeship and become a journeyman, I’ll be very versatile.”

In the first few months of her apprenticeship, Cecelia was able to earn enough money to get her own apartment and begin saving money. “Besides a great income and learning how to do things, the apprenticeship program has given me a career and plan for life.”

Duluth

Derek has worked as a server, restaurant manager and as a conveyor belt technician in mines and in boat yards. “When I was a working at the mines and boat yards, I saw building and construction trades working in the field and heard about the benefits and job security, and I was interested in learning more,” Derek said. In learning about the construction trades through a program called Building Strong Communities, a multi-craft apprenticeship readiness program, Derek decided to become and apprentice with the Iron Workers.

Derek’s favorite part of being an apprentice so far is placing structural beams, the backbones of tall buildings. “I like being in the air and connecting the structural iron beams, I like to help give crane signals on where to place the beams and bolting them in place.” In the future, Derek hopes to be able to take advanced courses and become a foreman.

Apprenticeship programs are a pathway for a lifelong career. Previously, Derek’s concerns were for his future and caring for his four-year-old son. “Before I joined the apprenticeship program, I didn’t have a savings plan. Having my son really made me think about the future. I will have enough hours to retire when I’m 60,” with a pension and a sense of security for the future.

He says that he wishes that he started in the trades when he was younger and encourages people who are interested in a career in the building trades to go to a union hall, meet people and talk with them about the job. Derek shared that “the first year is hard, but you build relationships with your crew and others in the union which is important.”

Princeton

Nicole was working 2 jobs to make ends meet for her family. “No one wants to leave work to turn around and go back to work,” Nicole stated. She heard about the apprenticeship readiness program Building Strong Communities, a program that introduces women, people of color and veterans to the building and construction trades and prepares them for the industry. For Nicole, it sounded like a good way to get a foot in the door in construction trades.

After finishing her apprenticeship readiness program, Nicole was placed with Lunda Construction as an International Union of Operating Engineers 49 apprentice and is training to be a crane operator. “It’s the most fun thing I’ve done as an apprentice, it’s a rush. At first its intimidating, but then as you get more experience – you realize, I can do this!”

Nicole’s two daughters are proud of her, and she says being able to provide for them and not being stressed about bills is the best feeling in the world. “I am earning while I am learning, which has enabled me to buy a truck and to feel more secure about taking care of my family.” Apprentices earn a family sustaining wage while they learn their trade.

“My daughters like the fact that I’m doing what I love, and that I drive a big truck and I work with cranes. As a retired 49er, my Dad is proud that I’m following in his footsteps and he’s proud that I have a career.”

West St. Paul

After turning thirty, Adrian (second from right in the photo) was looking for a different quality of life and decided he wanted a career. After being a server for 4 years, he stared thinking about health care and retirement benefits, something his job as a server was not providing him. “When I was younger, I didn’t really think about how important health care and retirement benefits were,” Adrian said.

He had heard about a program that introduces women, people of color and veterans to the building and construction trades called Building Strong Communities, a multi-trade apprenticeship readiness program and decided to give it a try. “I didn’t know I wanted to be a carpenter until I joined Building Strong Communities. Being a union carpentry apprentice is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

For Adrian, stepping on a jobsite is life changing. “The minute you are on the site, you start earning for your retirement and you get health care while you are learning the trade in the field. We start at over $21.00 an hour, and I’ve been able to buy a new car with my earnings.”

Adrian’s family is very proud of his career choice, and Adrian can feel a change in himself as well. “I get up before work and go for a run with my dog. My family has seen the change in me. I’m so proud of what I do.”