August 15, 2022 (St. Paul, MN) – Building Strong Communities, a free construction apprenticeship preparatory program Board of Directors announced today that Rick Martagon has been hired to be the Building Strong Communities (BSC) Executive Director. Rick joins the BSC program after working at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry managing Apprenticeship Minnesota.
“The Building Strong Communities program provides opportunities for those who have been traditionally underrepresented to start a career in the building and construction trades,” said Martagon. “My career has focused on growing registered apprenticeship programs, and I am happy to have the opportunity to be able to help women, BIPOC and Veterans achieve careers in the construction industry.”
“Rick’s experience and passion for connecting people to careers makes him a perfect fit for the Building Strong Communities Program,” said Tom Dicklich, Executive Director of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council and President of the Building Strong Communities Board. “We are excited that he decided to come on board and lead BSC. BSC recently graduated its first class of participants, and we know that with Rick’s leadership we will be able to bring more people into union careers.”
Rick Martagon’s experience includes service in the U.S. Navy and over 27 years in the construction industry. He served Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as the State Program Administrator of Apprenticeship Minnesota for nearly a decade and was the former President of the Apprenticeship Coordinators Association of Minnesota. Rick also brings union experience, as he served as the Apprenticeship Coordinator and Training Director for the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 from 2007-2015.
About BSC
Building Strong Communities is a multi-trade apprenticeship preparatory program that focuses on training women, BIPOC and Veterans for careers in the trades. The program is a free, 12-week program that gives participants exposure to 15 different trades. Participants graduate in May, just in time for the summer construction season. The program offers hands on experience, 4 college credits through North Hennepin Community College, and the ability to meet and interview with prospective employers.
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