Build Me Up: Exploring Lucrative Careers in Construction with 218Trades

The construction industry continues to face a labor shortage, and in cities like Duluth, Minnesota, located along Lake Superior’s North Shore, ambitious construction and development projects are clouded by the shortage of skilled workers in the trades.

218Trades was designed to provide education and resources for young people in the Duluth area considering a career in the trades. They work directly with local construction companies and union representatives to provide apprenticeships, scholarships, and jobsite exposure to those who are considering a career in the industry.

On the latest episode of KA’s Build Me Up podcast, Kraus-Anderson Office Manager Becca Bohlman, 218Trades Team Lead Dave Cook, and North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Representative Adam Johnson discuss efforts to expand the construction industry workforce in Northeast Minnesota.

About 218Trades

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Becca Bohlman” link=”” color=”#cc0202″ class=”” size=””12]”If they’re not seeing those opportunities for career paths in this industry, they’re not going to know. They’re going to look and say ‘I have to have that four-year degree.’ So we need to let them know that these are valid career options, not only for youths but for the adults as well.”[/perfectpullquote]

218Trades was created to educate and highlight the lucrative career pathways that are available in the trades, focusing on Northeast Minnesota. As demand grows for more skilled workers, 218Trades is doing critical work in the community.

While most students are aware of the path to a traditional four-year degree, Dave Cook has found that education is lacking when it comes to building a career within the trades. Student loan debt continues to rise, and they want students to know that college isn’t always the right path for everyone. Construction careers provide pathways that include paid apprenticeships with hands-on learning, allowing for career growth with no student loan debt.

While 218Trades spends a considerable amount of time going to schools and educating young people, they are expanding their outreach to include adults in the community who may have never heard about the possibilities in the construction industry. With the mantra of “Work Here, Play Here, Stay Here,” 218Trades aims to show residents of Northeast Minnesota that they don’t have to relocate to receive training and build a career. The area is exploding with opportunities.

To learn more about 218Trades and opportunities in the construction industry, tune in to the latest episode of Build Me Up. You can subscribe to Build Me Up wherever you listen to podcasts.