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. 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
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