Pre-Apprentice Highway Construction Training

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    MnDOT-DEED Highway Heavy Construction Training and Job Placement

    You may have a unique opportunity for a good-paying career in the highway construction industry. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) provide pre-apprentice highway construction training that prepares individuals for employment in the highway construction industry. This 240-hour, 6-week course includes a combination of curriculum-based classroom instruction, hands-on use of tools and equipment, videos and engagement with industry experts. Veterans meeting eligibility requirements are very strongly encouraged to apply. The training dates are ​April 13 – May 22, 2026.

    How to apply:

    CareerForce can help:

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    “Training changed me, it gave me hope” Cesar thanks construction training program

    Cesar from Austin, Minnesota was working third shift at a manufacturing plant when a friend of his showed him a flyer about Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Highway Heavy Construction Training and Job Placement program. Cesar called the number on the flyer, reached Sylvia Garcia in the DEED CareerForce division and got on a path to a brighter future in cement masonry, recently buying a house at age 24.

    Read Cesar's full story

    a person in a yellow and black jacket with reflective strips standing in front of a sign with the U.S. and Canadian flags that reads Local 633 organized1864

    How MnDOT-DEED Cement Mason Training Changed James’ Life

    James enrolled in the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Highway Construction Cement Mason program in 2021. Getting his foot in the door for this high-demand career path changed James’ life.

    Read James' full story

    photo of Jeremy who successfully completed the MnDOT-DEED highway construction training program

    "It felt like it was meant to be" Jeremy finds perfect new career path

    Jeremy had worked for many years in the hospitality industry, but when COVID hit and the corporate travel business dried up, he was let go from his hotel job in December of 2020. He had grown accustomed to making a good living with his previous employer and he was feeling a bit depressed and scared at the idea of starting over in a new career. After he filed for Unemployment Insurance, he learned about of the Highway Heavy Construction Training & Placement (HHCTP) Program from DEED’s Sylvia Garcia and thought it could be a good fit for him.

    “It felt like it was meant to be. I was blown away with everything the program provided and the attention and care I received. I love this opportunity that I got," said Jeremy.

    Read Jeremy's full story

    highway construction near downtown Minneapolis

    Lizzy Finds promising career path thanks to MnDOT/DEED training

    Lizzy had really never considered a career in construction before, but when she got an email about the MNDOT/DEED Highway Heavy Construction Training Program last year, she was intrigued. She was in her mid-20s, working part time at a gym and not really sure what she wanted to do with her life. The good pay and promising career path of construction seemed like just what she was looking for. 

    So Lizzy applied for the program, was accepted and graduated from the Cement Masonry course this past spring. She was hired right away by Lunda construction – and she couldn’t be happier with her new career direction.

    “I really enjoy the physical aspect of it – when you get to the end of the day and know you put in a hard day’s work,” said Lizzy, who added that being on an in-demand career path also makes her feel good. “I feel a lot more secure financially and personally.”

    Read Lizzy's full story.

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