Fall edition of the Apprenticeship Works newsletter

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry sent this bulletin at 10/15/2026 10:00 AM CDT

Oct. 15, 2026

Fall Apprenticeship Works newsletter

Catch-up on the latest news about registered apprenticeship in Minnesota below. Visit our website for more information about becoming an apprentice or starting a program at your business.

People in construction gear standing and working in parking lot

Carpenter hiring event shows a new way to hire apprentices

The Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters hosted a NFL-style combine hiring event on Sept. 26.

At this event, pictured at left, 130 job seekers displayed their construction skills in front of 11 local contractors by completing a course featuring tasks that mirror the daily work of a carpenter like moving construction materials, hammering nails, attaching drywall and performing basic layout tasks.

These events are a hands-on alternative to job fairs, where signatory contractors can see an individual’s work ethic, jobsite awareness and attention to detail firsthand. It also offers the ability for face-to-face interaction rather than relying on phone calls and resume reviews.

Innovative hiring events like this are helpful for those without worksite experience because contractors aren't just looking for workers who already know the job; they are looking for workers who are willing to show up and do what it takes to find their next career. These combines also allow individuals who have experience but may struggle with the resume or interview process.

View the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters' website to learn more about events like this or how to become a carpenter.

Inside the registered teaching apprenticeship: Finding the perfect mentor

Cierra Hopson (pictured, left) always loved helping kids learn, but it was her experience as an associate educator and the guidance of a veteran teacher that set her on the path forward.

Encouraged by her work in the classroom, she turned to Minnesota’s registered teaching apprenticeship to finally pursue her dream of becoming a licensed teacher.

Read the rest of Hopson's story.

Labor Education Advancement Program (LEAP) spotlight: Bricklayers and Allied Crafts Local 1

Group of construction workers on a scaffolding

Recruiting new workers is necessary for every industry to grow, but coming into a demanding and competitive career without experience can be difficult. Many people join registered apprenticeship programs to jump-start a new career, which means there can be a wide experience gap for new apprentices. This learning curve can make the first year of any program incredibly difficult. To get ahead of these challenges, the Local 1 Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) are putting in as much effort as possible into training their new recruits.

BAC Local 1 is using LEAP grant funding to support their pre-apprenticeship training program that gives those with little or no construction experience the tools they need to succeed as bricklayers and tile fitters in the construction industry.

This funding helps cover trainees’ transportation costs, tool and equipment purchases, and even childcare costs to get them through the six-week program. However, the key to a successful pre-apprenticeship program is more than just getting participants to finish — it’s getting them hired as registered apprentices when it’s over.

Continued support

That is why BAC Local 1’s work doesn’t end with financial support. They also help trainees find jobs with contractors and mentor apprentices after they’ve been hired. Through partnerships partnerships with local contractors they keep the pre-apprenticeship training aligned with what the industry needs making it more likely for apprentices to get hired.

Because of this extra effort, in the most recent cohort of 17 bricklayers, 16 finished the program, 14 found jobs, and 12 were hired as registered apprentices. Three of the five tile participants also entered registered apprenticeships. Every registered apprentice from their first cohort completed their first year of apprenticeship.

Find a Construct Tomorrow event near you

Are you a high school educator looking to teach your students about registered construction apprenticeship programs?

Construct Tomorrow is a Minnesota-based organization that hosts interactive and engaging outreach events to give Minnesota high school students exposure to the union construction trades. Go to Construct Tomorrow's website to learn learn more about the organization and find an event near you.

Apprenticeship by the numbers, as of Oct. 1, 2026

Total apprentices

Total: 12,589
Women: 1,114 (8.8%)
People of color: 3,395 (27%)
Veterans: 598 (5%)
Disability: 274 (2%)