Highway Construction Training Program Partnership a Success!

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Civil Rights - Events, program updates, small business and workforce training opportunities

Highway Construction Training Program Partnership a Success!

On September 1, 18 people graduated from the first MnDOT Office of Civil Rights/DEED/Cement Masons Plasterers & Shophands Local 633 sponsored training for highway heavy careers, focused on the 35W @ 94: Downtown to Crosstown project (formerly referred to as the 35W/Lake Street Project). The five week program:

  • exposed participants to diverse career pathways in the construction trades
  • provided certifications for safety and traffic control work
  • offered opportunities to work with job coaches and network with members of the industry

The training wrapped up with a graduation ceremony where program sponsors, participants, and industry partners spoke about the experience. 

This training program is aimed at reducing disparities and providing more opportunities for underrepresented individuals in highway heavy construction.  DEED Project Manager,  Curt Sammann, spoke at the event and said, “We do what we do because we want to make a difference in people’s lives.  No one should be held back due to circumstances that are no fault of their own.”

On-site career counselors were available throughout the course, which is a different approach from previous MnDOT sponsored highway heavy construction training programs and helped improve program retention.  Graduates received a list of contractors and site coordinators at graduation and several participants had already been offered interviews or position by the construction companies.

The training included:

  •  safety awareness
  • flagger certification
  • hand tool and power tool skills
  • construction math and surveying basics
  • concrete set-up and pouring

All of the graduates completed the Federal OSHA 30-hour training and certification about health and safety awareness. 

One of the graduates, Kevin Washington, spoke at the event and said, “I came here to get a career - not another job - so I can support the people I love in my life.”  Washington had some big supporters at the graduation, as his daughters Samara and Arianna presented his graduation certificate.  Another graduate, Yolanda Wilson said, “I hope this program continues for years as it gave me an opportunity, and it’s something I’ll never forget.” As to future prospective attendees, Ms. Wilson said, “If you’re not sure, try it … because you never know what opportunities are there if you think outside of the box.” 

      Kevin Washington receives certificate from daughters Arianna and Samara.
      Kevin Washington receives certificate from daughters Arianna and Samara. Instructor Moke Eaglefeathers also pictured.

       

      Yolanda McIntosh, Corporate EEO Officer for Lunda Construction Company, spoke on behalf of the Ames, Lunda, Shafer joint venture; the prime contractors on the 35W @ 94: Downtown to Crosstown project.  She congratulated the graduates, offered strategies for success and spoke of the realities of the industry.  “The hours are long, but so is the money” said McIntosh.  “No matter what contractor you end up working for, we all want you to succeed.” During the classes, a representative from each prime contractor in the joint venture spoke to the students about the importance of safety, work skills, and challenges involved in working in the industry. 

      MnDOT OCR looks forward to continuing this partnership and program in the future.  If you are interested in future training opportunities with this program contact Curt Sammann, State Special Project Division, Project Manager, Department of Employment and Economic Development at 651-642-0704 or email curt.sammann@state.mn.us.

      For more information

      For more information about our programs and services, contact us at 651-366-3073 or visit: mndot.gov/civilrights