Minnesota B.U.I.L.D.

Purpose: To provide access to high quality jobs in the construction trades by screening and assessing potential participants, and providing qualified candidates with a free introductory training course relevant to selected construction industry trades.

The intent of MN BUILD is to bridge the gap between today’s diverse labor pool and industry labor needs. This program is designed to provide a mechanism for individuals to become aware of and enter into a career path within the construction industry. This grant supports a partnership between Merrick Community Services, the Minneapolis/St. Paul building and construction trades council, OnTrack for Life and key construction employer associations to train and place low-wage workers into the construction trades. Particular emphasis is given to attracting women and members of minority and immigrant groups who have historically been under-represented in the construction trades. Through the project’s pre-apprenticeship training program, interested participants are screened and assessed, and those with the requisite interest and determination receive a five-week, hands-on training in safety, four basic construction trades (bricklaying, carpentry, cement finishing, and painting), soft skills and job seeking skills, and financial assistance with purchase of equipment and union fees.

	Partners: (As of April 2003)
		Educational: None
		Employers and business organization: St. Paul Building & Trades Council
		Non-Profit Organizations: Merrick Community Services
		Public philanthropic, and other organizations: OnTrack for Life, Inc.
	Participants: Individuals with families currently working low-wage jobs, who may be unfamiliar with career path options and entry points within the construction industry. Participants are selected on a number of criteria, including industry minimum requirements, attendance at the orientation session, experience level, and assessment results for general math, dexterity, and spatial matching abilities
	Recruitment: Distribution of public service announcements, dissemination of informational flyers to neighborhood agencies, faith-based organizations, workforce centers, targeted female and minority agencies and community based organizations; presentations before various community based organizations
	Training: Participants receive work orientation, skill and academic assessment, remedial education and skills training. The curriculum includes a five-week training designed and delivered by construction personnel, covering: OSHA and hazardous materials training; bricklaying; carpentry; cement finishing; and painting training
	Support Services: Merrick Community Services provides case management and support for participants regarding childcare, transportation, financial issues and retention services
	Job placement, retention and advancement: Upon completion of the program, participants receive assistance with application and entry into formal apprenticeship training programs and job leads within the construction industry