Jason George, Business Manager and Financial Secretary for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Pathways program and how the apprenticeship readiness training it provides Minnesota high school students has helped grow the Local.
Local 49 represents 14,600 members in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
A collaborative partnership between Local 49 and the Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) powered by Stride Career Prep, the Pathways program prepares high school students for an apprenticeship with Local 49, George explained. So far, 200 Minnesota high school students have signed up for the program, and there are plans to expand the training into North and South Dakota. He discussed the program’s value, which has helped the Local grow.
George then shared his own story of how he got into the trades and why a registered apprenticeship program leads to the pathway of a viable career.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.