(651)788-7593
By Judy Karasch, KOM Job Developer
It has been an exciting and busy summer 2025 as we launched two new programs in the union construction trades! With funding from the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and DEED Adult Career Pathways, we piloted a new training model in collaboration with trusted partners.
Fast Track Into the Trades
For adults who already hold a high school diploma and are seeking a career shift into a higher-paying, hands-on industry, Karen Organization of Minnesota offers short-term pre-apprenticeship training programs tailored to the trades.
This summer, we offered two 8-week programs. The first cohort of 12 clients focused on the finishing trades in partnership with the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM), and the second cohort of 10 clients focused on carpentry with the Carpenters Training Institute. Both training centers have an excellent reputation in their disciplines among union companies and provide an excellent introduction to their trade.
Skills For Success
In addition to learning skills in finishing trades (sheetrock, plaster, painting, signage and glazier) and carpentry (interior systems, steel studs and drywall, as well as interior finish framing and concrete), our graduates were able to gain a better understanding of their current skills and aptitudes, learn “language of the trade,” and gain stronger interview skills. These skills increase their chance of a successful placement in construction.
John Burcaw, Director of Academic Education, has been a longtime supporter of KOM and spoke highly of the participants’ work ethic and desire to join the trades.
Upon completion of the program, Wally Kirchoff, Southern Minnesota Regional Coordinator, stated, “They have a great attitude and would be an awesome addition to anyone’s team.”
Ready For Work
Fifty percent of the graduates have gained employment in the trades in the two months after training, and other graduates are equally qualified and eager to enter the trades! If you have job opportunities and are seeking reliable employees who are eager to learn, contact Judy Karasch at jkarasch@mnkaren.org.
Your Turn!
If you are interested in these programs, you can be notified of future 8-week training courses with FTIUM and Carpenters by completing an interest form here. We will contact you with regular updates when registration is open. You can also visit our website to learn more!
Note: You must be 18+ years old, able to commit to attending all scheduled training sessions, and interested in moving into construction work immediately after training.
