Cassandra Niemela is three for three:
She graduated from carpenter training with a GED and a job

Cassandra Niemela heard about MnDOT Highway Heavy Carpenter Training from a friend, and something sparked. She emailed and went for an intake interview the same day. But to be admitted to the MnDOT training program, Niemela needed a high school diploma or GED. Her senior year of high school was disrupted because of an accident, and she was never able to finish the few remaining credits. She always planned on getting a GED, but as her family grew it was never the right time – until that intake interview in March 2023.  As soon as she left the interview, Niemela called the Cambridge Enrichment Center. She started GED classes there the very next day.

With four children at home ranging in age from 1 to 13 years old, it wasn’t easy. For six weeks, Niemela trained in highway heavy carpentry Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and went straight to school afterward. Niemela successfully earned her GED by the time she graduated from the carpenter training program.

“I just pushed through. It’s worth it. I could never save money before. Now I can put away money every week. I have benefits, a pension. Our future is brighter.” Her supportive family is proud of her impressive accomplishments.

MnDOT partners with the Carpenters Training Institute to offer this training. Niemela felt “pretty well equipped” after being introduced to the union, visiting job sites, and getting hands-on carpentry experience. Having that experience impresses employers who are hiring entry-level. Niemela was offered a job with Olympic Construction on graduation day. “Contractors know that we have the background.”

Her advice to women who are considering highway heavy construction: “Don’t be intimidated. Take the step. It really is worth it, definitely. I always knew I could do the work but actually doing it is gratifying!”

Photo credit: Cassandra Niemela on the job. Photo provided by Cassandra Niemela.