“I can see working in the finishing trades all day because I enjoy it…I like working with my hands”
Zen is looking forward to an apprenticeship with the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades ( IUPAT) District Council 82 after graduating from the Xcel Energy PowerUp program in early May.
The PowerUp program helped her realize what she was interested in and what she’s good at “I was able to ask a lot of questions and find a good fit for me” explained Zen.
Zen wants to especially thank Gerri McGimpsey at Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, where she attended Part One of the PowerUp program last fall, for encouraging her to pursue her interest in a trades career. Part Two of the program was through Building Strong Communities, which introduced Zen to the wide range of career options in the construction trades.
Zen also wants to thank Jordan Fry with IUPAT District Council 82 for helping her know what a career in the finishing trades would be like.
Zen is optimistic about her future in the finishing trades, saying she hopes to make more money and have a better life. Someday she would like to buy a farm for her chickens.
- Explore career options in the construction trades
- Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you for help finding training opportunities that might be a good fit for you
