Dustin, a carpenter based out of Austin, Minnesota has just finished his apprenticeship training and is a member of Carpenters Local 1382. “The best part about the apprenticeship program was getting to learn from all the different people in the trades. I was fortunate to be able to work with some great journeymen, some were close to retirement age. I learned a lot from them, and I look forward to teaching people who come up under me.”
Dustin believes that it’s the Millennials turn to take charge and become leaders in the trade unions. He looks forward to completing journeyman leadership training so he can be a role model for other apprentices. His words of advice to new apprentices: “show up on time, have a positive attitude, go home safe every day and most importantly say ‘yes’.”
Dustin’s family loves the fact that he found the carpenter’s apprenticeship program. “It was the best decision for me at the time. Part of my story is that I am in recovery from drugs and alcohol. I joined the apprenticeship program right after getting clean and have met lots of other people in the trades who are in recovery. I grow in my recovery because of the work that I do.”
Goals are important to Dustin – his sobriety is a major goal, he accomplished his goal of finishing the apprenticeship program and he recently accomplished another goal – buying his first home. The apprenticeship model is earn while you learn, meaning that apprentices are paid a family sustaining wage while they learn and become experts in their craft. “As a first-year apprentice you earn good money, and the money gives you freedom. I just reached a life goal of buying a house in Austin, Minnesota. I work for Boldt Construction just a few minutes away from my house. I love where I work.”