Meet Brandy – A Laborer’s apprentice.
In her previous job as a certified nursing assistant, Brandy met lots of union workers on the Line 3 project who spoke highly about the building and construction trades. She decided to research working in the trades and is now a Laborer’s apprentice.
“I have jackhammered on the Blatnik bridge in Duluth and worked on bridges by Two Harbors.” She has also learned enough about carpentry to build her parents a porch by herself. “I was not familiar being around tools, but now, I can tell you what 99% of tools are and what they are used for.”
Her advice to people looking for a career in the building and construction trades is to find a trade that fits your lifestyle. “The Laborer’s union is really family oriented; they collect money for Toys for Tots and help out families in need – which is where I was once in my life.”
Brandy wishes she would have known about a career in construction when she graduated from high school. “I didn’t know anyone in construction. Now that I am an apprentice, I almost have enough money for a down payment on a house, I’ve been able to help pay for my daughter’s college, and most importantly I’m not living paycheck to paycheck” she said.
