Carpenters can turn apprentice training into a college degree

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_3429

By Michael Kuchta
3 January 2008
ST. PAUL - Beginning in January, apprentices who graduate from a Carpenters’ training program in the North Central States Region will get more than a pay raise and a promotion to journey-level status. They can also apply their training directly toward a two-year college degree.

Graduating apprentices will have more than 70 percent of the credits they need for an Associate in Applied Science degree in Apprenticeship Technology, under a new agreement with Hennepin Technical College.

Planning for the future
The degree recognizes the education that apprentices now receive, responds to the growing role that formal education plays in the workforce, and gives North Central States Regional Council members a head-start toward pursuing a managerial role later in their career, said apprenticeship director Paul Trudeau, of Carpenters Local 87.


Jesus Gomez (above), an apprentice in Carpenters Local 1644 in Minneapolis, works on an interior systems exercise.
Photos by Michael Kuchta

Pursuing the degree is not mandatory, but is a great option, he said. “I may not feel I want to go into college today, but 10 years from now, maybe I see a value in going back to school. Well, I already have 47 components built in.

“So now, if I want to move into a managerial position, or maybe I get hurt, or feel my body is going to wear out, this will help.

“You don’t just step into those and think it’s going to be a piece of cake, because it’s not going to be,” Trudeau said. “You’re going to have to have some education on how to deal with people. You’re going to have to know how to read and write documents. You’re going to have to know math to a certain level, and you’re going to have to know how an organization or business operates and functions.”

FULL story at link.

where i`m at they are begging for good mig and tig welders.the local college does`t have enough room for all the guys and gals who want to sign up.