BEMIDJI — The Northwest Minnesota Construction Alliance is hosting a career and hiring fair Tuesday, May 9, at the Bemidji Carpenters Hall.
The Construction Expo is an opportunity for anyone interested in the construction and building trades to meet with representatives of area union apprenticeship programs, interact with contractors that are hiring, and try out some of the tools and skills that are part of the construction industry.
The fair is open to area schools 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and to the general public 2:30-5 p.m.
Students and their instructors and career counselors will learn about post-secondary opportunities in the construction and building trades. Apprenticeship coordinators from multiple trades will offer experienced, practical advice and allow students to test their skills with some hands-on activities such as welding or circuit wiring. They can trowel cement or learn about becoming a heavy equipment operator.
“As an apprentice, you train and develop the skill set relevant to your interest,” stated Ben Pratt with the Carpenters Training Institute in a news release. “A union apprentice can ‘earn while they learn’ as opposed to building a mountain of debt from tuition costs.”
The afternoon session is open to anyone interested in working in construction.
“We are coming up on a busy time of year, and contractors are hiring,” stated Mike Ganz, chair of the Construction Alliance that is hosting the EXPO. “This is a great opportunity to learn more about the different trades and work available in the region. Our goal in hosting this event is to expand our skilled and educated workforce in the area.”
The Carpenters Union is located at 904 Paul Bunyan Drive SE in Bemidji, next to Keenan’s Cabinets.
