Piper had worked in various food service jobs and in childcare, but she knew she wanted a career path to higher wages – as well as a more physically demanding career that allowed her to work outside.
She learned about the MnDOT-DEED Highway Construction Cement Mason pre-apprenticeship training program from a family member and decided to apply.
“I didn’t know what the program was when I signed up, but I always heard people say that the trades are where the money is,” Piper explained.
Once she was in the 6-week cement mason class, Piper was hooked, “I really liked learning new things and how to use the tools and I really liked that it was physically active. I played sports growing up, so I felt at home doing that.”
Piper added that she knew she was in the right place when the Nokomis Shoe Shop boot truck showed up at the site. That's a photo of her with the owner of Nokomis Shoe Shop.
Piper completed the MnDOT DEED program and entered a union apprenticeship, where she is working toward the 6,000 hours on the job needed to become a journeyman cement mason. That’s the next big goal on her career path – from there she’ll decide if she’ll continue finishing concrete or maybe move into construction management.
The MnDOT-DEED Highway Construction Cement Mason pre-apprenticeship training program instructors from the Local 633 Cement Masons, Plasterers and Shophands made all the difference in getting Piper started down this promising career path.
“They really pushed us all to be better every day and I felt like they really believed in me,” said Piper. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. They were really great.”
Piper started work with McGough Construction after her graduation from the MnDOT DEED program in May 2025. She’ll be back working with the company when the weather warms up this spring. During the winter, she’s joined the Local 633 at high school career exploration events to help encourage others to consider working as a cement mason – or exploring other opportunities they may not be aware of in the construction trades.
To others considering enrolling in the MnDOT-DEED Highway Construction Cement Mason pre-apprenticeship training program, Piper has this advice: “Definitely take a chance on it. Just go in with an open mind.”
- Find out more about the MnDOT-DEED Highway Construction Cement Mason pre-apprenticeship training program
- Explore the range of in-demand positions in the construction industry in Minnesota
- Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you for information about training programs in your part of Minnesota
