“I wanted to find a job that was really hands on,” Vang said. Vang was encouraged to apply by his cousin, who is a pile driver. “I find it pretty interesting. There are a lot of new things to learn, like how things are run, how things are made.”

Vang worked on the I-494 project last summer and will work on that again this summer. This project includes constructing new bridges to accommodate future levels of traffic, improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility across the interstate, and meet accessibility guidelines for all users. Vang has been working on bridge decks and walls. Both types of work involve setting up forms and pouring concrete into them.

“I learned a lot by watching, last year,” Vang said. “I watch what they do and figure out why and how they do it. Last year, I didn’t really know how to help my colleagues. This year, I am picking up when to jump in and how to help them out.”

Working in construction is “way, way better” for Vang, not only in fulfilling his interests but also in terms of pay and benefits. Now, even though he is the youngest in his family, Vang can make significant financial contributions to his family, helping with bills and groceries. He was also able to buy a decent car. But, Vang noted, this work is not for everybody.

“It’s for someone who wants a challenge,” he said. “Someone who is willing to work hard and put in the effort. You have to help out and work with other people. Also, communication is key. If you don’t tell your foreman or your crew, ‘hey I’m doing this’ or ‘hey I don’t think this is right’ it can really mess up the day.”

Judge agrees. “That first year might seem really rough, but once you get used to it, you find your rhythm and it gets a lot easier, and you start to look at it as a blessing.”

Judge was encouraged to apply for a laborer position by a friend of his, who was a Lunda foreman at the time. “I said, let’s give it a shot!”

Although Judge had some experience in concrete work, he says, “Every day is a training session. I always learn something new. I learn from anybody, my crew, my foreman, my operator will teach me things I didn’t think of, maybe little tricks that make it easier to get certain things done.”

Tracey Jackson, Lunda’s EEO officer, said, “Apprentices bring energy, curiosity, and a strong desire to learn, while gaining hands-on experience that builds skilled, safety-minded professionals. In return, Lunda Construction benefits from a reliable talent pipeline and a workforce that understands our values from day one.”

Judge’s work as an apprentice during three seasons with Lunda has involved pot-holing and checking grade. He works closely to help the equipment operator work safely, making sure there are no utilities where the operator is working, or where he is moving to.

Judge is especially proud of his work on the Highway 55 Kimball bridge. He and his crew resurfaced the concrete bridge deck, replaced panels and joints, and upgraded the bridge railing and steel barrier approaches.