Minnesota woman wins national roofing contest

Minnesota has a new national champion. Dawn Plaisted, a second‑year apprentice with Local 96 Roofers from Duluth, became the first woman ever to win the Roofers and Waterproofers National Apprenticeship Competition in May 2026, outperforming nine top apprentices from across the country.

During the event, apprentices demonstrated incredibly difficult roofing and waterproofing techniques in front of a large audience.

Learn more about Local 96 Roofers and Water proofers apprenticeship program.

Firefighter-led fitness program in St. Paul helps women prepare for physical fitness test

The first step to becoming an apprentice with the St. Paul Fire Department is passing the fire physical fitness test. This physically demanding, fast-paced assessment is designed to judge the fitness level of applicants. For many, this first leap into the profession can be intimidating, keeping many interested applicants from trying. Twin Cities Female Firefighter Fitness (TCF3) was created to make training for the fire physical fitness test more accessible, welcoming and supportive for women who want to join the field.

On the third Tuesday of every month, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the St. Paul Fire Training Division, TCF3 hosts woman-led group workouts and coaching for women preparing for their fitness test. These sessions are more than just workout classes — they provide a space for women who are passionate about firefighting to meet and learn from others who are already in the field.

In 2023, 40% of the women who took the St. Paul Fire Department's entry exam passed. This summer, that number increased to 80%. Seventeen of the 21 women in this year's cohort are one step closer to joining their apprenticeship with the St. Paul Fire Department and will continue to receive support from TCF3 throughout their journey.

To learn more about TCF3 and join their next class, follow their social media accounts: @twin.cities.f3 on Instagram or search Twin Cities Female Firefighter Fitness on Facebook. 

Apprentice spotlight:  From high school to field service engineer

Jaiden joined Bühler Inc.’s mechatronic technician apprenticeship program in 2023. As a mechatronics technician, Jaiden is learning the skills to repair, install and fix Bühler’s manufacturing equipment. There is a lot to learn in this three-year program, and Jaiden has thrived with the challenge. His ability to take direction and quickly apply new skills, combined with a genuine curiosity and willingness to help, have made him a valuable apprentice and team member.

Because of his eagerness to learn, grow and travel, Jaiden apprenticed with Bühler’s field service team – a group of engineers who travel to maintain and install equipment across the country. Now a graduate of the Bühler Apprenticeship Academy and full-time member of the field service team, Jaiden is looking forward to seeing more of the country on his service assignments.

Apprentices like Jaiden are what make apprenticeship work. If you would like to learn more about how to become an apprentice, view our apprenticeship application directory.

Total apprentices as of July 1, 2026

• Total:  12,019
• Women:  1,022 (8.5%)
• People of color:  3,404 (28%)
• Veterans:  579 (5%)
• Disability:  245 (2%)

Apprentices participation by age

• 18-24 years old:  6,276 (52%)
• 25-35 years old:  3,671 (31%)
• 35 years and older:  2,072 (17%)

New apprentices by month

• April:  408
• May:  665
• June:  427