“I heard about Building Strong Communities from my team leader in the National Guard,” said Stacy. “He’s an electrician and he’s going for his Master Electrician and I really look up to him.”
Stacy was working in catering while serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year in the Minnesota National Guard.
“I already knew I wanted to work with my hands from being in the Army,” said Stacy. “And I know I want health care benefits and a retirement plan and what the union has is really nice. And I like to get paid while learning.”
She applied to the Xcel Energy PowerUp Program and completed 12 weeks of classes at Building Strong Communities earlier this year, graduating on May 2.
The Xcel Energy PowerUp Program is a public-private partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development that prepares workers for in-demand career path employment in fields related to energy and construction trades. Through the PowerUp Program, Xcel Energy and DEED worked with seven community-based organizations, including Building Strong Communities, to train and provide job placement for Minnesotans who are underrepresented in energy- and construction trades-related fields.
“I’m really thankful to Building Strong Communities and my family who supported me during the 12-week class,” said Stacy. “I’m really thankful for the supportive instructors and Rick (Martagon) and Thomas (Scott) at Building Strong Communities.”
After graduating from the PowerUp program Stacy started an interim credential course with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 110. After she finishes that course, she’ll join the union as an apprentice in June. After five years as an apprentice, she hopes to become a journeyworker. Eventually, Stacy wants to become a Master Electrician and own her own business.
Here’s Stacy’s advice for anyone considering a career in the construction trades: “I suggest that you should think about what you want to do and who you want to work for and then with persistence you will be rewarded.”
- Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you for information about training opportunities in your part of Minnesota
