Welcoming Women and Other Underrepresented Groups in Construction

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 job training opportunities for women and Black, Indigenous and People of Color community members who are underrepresented in the highway construction industry.

CareerForce can help:

Identify whether you meet eligibility requirements
Provide you with application materials
Connect you with an expert to answer your questions

How to apply:

Fully complete and submit the MnDOT-DEED Highway Heavy Construction Training and Placement Pre-Application
Veterans meeting eligibility requirements are very strongly encouraged to apply
If you have questions about this training opportunity, please contact Sylvia Garcia at sylvia.garcia@state.mn.us

person in bright yellow hoodie and cap holding a certificate standing in front of a white board

“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 Nubia who found her career fit in construction after participating in MnDOT DEED construction program

Construction program puts Nubia on strong career path

As a mother of two children with special needs, Nubia needed to find work that would better support her family. Her years in customer service had also taught her that she didn’t like being stuck working at a desk all day. While on the CareerForce website, she noticed a flyer about the MnDOT-DEED Highway Heavy Construction Training and Placement Program.

“It was exactly what I was looking for and after applying I heard back from the program right away. It was like a gift. I’m so grateful for the program,” Nubia said.

Read Nubia's 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.