Office of Civil Rights News
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"Good for the soul" |
Women in Construction Week takes place the first week in March every year. To celebrate this week, we are highlighting some of the women who are participating in MnDOT's on-the-job training program. Today, we spotlight Grace Dion, a highway construction laborer.
After working her way up in the food service industry over eight years, Grace Dion was looking for a career change. She didn’t know what kind of work she wanted, but it had to have health insurance and a retirement plan. In the past, her dad had suggested that she work in construction, like him. At the time, she said no. But when Dion started looking online for ideas, an ad for construction work caught her attention. She noted that no experience was necessary. She talked with her dad, who was delighted. He helped her find a position as laborer with Veit Construction, with support from MnDOT’s on-the-job training program.
“My life took a 180,” Dion said. “To go from working inside tending a bar to working outside with sober people was very good for me. I do a lot of digging in the dirt. It’s good for the soul.”
As a laborer, Dion hand digs where equipment can’t reach when working on underground utilities. She also rakes dirt, moves materials, controls traffic - whatever needs to be done, she keeps tabs on that. Laborer work keeps Dion moving all day and she loves it.
“It’s the best physical activity. Tiring, but I always feel great at the end of the day,” Dion said. “Every day, I look forward to going to work.”
“My dad was very influential in this career change. He advised me to ask a lot of questions and work hard.” He also offered tips such as pack plenty of food, drink lots of water, dress for the weather. Everything else Dion learned on the job.
“Everyone is super great about helping,” Dion said. “We work as a team.”
Even so, it was a challenge at first to understand what needed to be done, where, and how. “Everyone works fast. The focus is on getting things done. You have to throw yourself in there and figure it out,” Dion said.
One challenge that Dion is proud of overcoming is the math involved for grading. The numbers involved in reading blueprints and surveys is challenging – everything depends on getting it right, quickly and efficiently.
Dion is a first-year apprentice and a member of the Laborers International Union of North America Local 563. She emphasizes the support she receives from Local 563. The union ensures good pay and provides health insurance and a retirement plan. Union reps were especially helpful the first week on the job with onsite support.
“As long as you’re willing to work hard, the union invests in you,” Dion said. “Veit will pay for college. They will move you up. If you work hard, you can do anything you want, be anything you want.”
“Also, have a positive attitude,” Dion said, “The work is mentally and physically challenging. But if you work with others as a team, with a good attitude, it makes all the difference.”
More information
For more information please visit www.mndot.gov/civilrights/ojt-program.html
Photo: Grace Dion, laborer. Photo provided by Grace Dion.
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