Minnesota Electrician Shines During National Apprenticeship Week Following BSC/MnDOT Program Success

Minnesota Electrician Shines During National Apprenticeship Week Following BSC/MnDOT Program Success

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Minnesota's aspiring electrician Cora Holt has been put in the spotlight by the Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights (MnDOT OCR) as they celebrate Women in Apprenticeship Day. A spotlight article detailing Holt's journey revealed that her introduction to the trade began through the Building Strong Communities program, which provided her with a crucial foundation and the confidence to navigate what is typically a male-dominated field.

Previously working as a consultant, Holt lacked the competitive edge required to break into the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) Local 110 on her own merit. She told MnDOT, "I applied at Local 110 in November 2023 and they called to tell me that my application was not competitive based on my work experience and connections." It was through connecting with Rick Martagon, Building Strong Communities' executive director, that Holt found her path into an apprenticeship, attracted by Martagon's dedication to recruiting those not traditionally seen in the construction industry.

Holt's pursuit of an electrical apprenticeship was not just about the technical aspects; it was a blend of rigorous theory with creative and artistic skills. "I knew I made the right choice when we did our first conduit bending lab during the hands-on training week of BSC. It was a great physical and mental challenge, and I felt really proud of myself for figuring out the task at hand," Holt shared in the spotlight article. This hands-on experience, coupled with BSC's grounding in rebuilding communities and supporting diversity, helped her gain mentorship, knowledge, and the connections needed to join IBEW Local 110.

By May 2024, Holt graduated from the BSC/MnDOT training program and has since amassed nearly 700 hours toward her apprenticeship. Her transition to a jobsite from a more conventional work environment was an adjustment. She explained in a statement obtained by MnDOT, "I had to learn the new social structure of a jobsite, which is different from an office or school setting." Her time on the job has been filled with continuous learning and valuable advice from experienced journeymen.

The U.S. Department of Labor endorses Apprenticeship Week as a way to celebrate and promote the fusion of individual development with economic growth. Apprenticeships like those spotlighted provide hands-on career pathways for many, contributing to the skilled workforce that supports vital infrastructure. For individuals interested in skilled trades apprenticeships, BSC/MnDOT training information can be found at www.buildingstrong.org, where MnDOT also offers more details on its Office of Civil Rights programs that promote workforce training and equity in construction trades.

Cora Holt's experience is a testament to the doors that can open with an open mind and willingness to learn. Her advice to others echoes her own journey of discovery and empowerment: "I encourage you to check out a training program like BSC," Holt said. "I would have felt way more out of my depth if I had just gone in without any support behind me."

SOURCE: hoodline