Free highway and heavy construction training begins for students

(ABC 6 NEWS) – People in Rochester are now working towards getting a new career through free highway and heavy construction training being put on by Workforce Development Inc.

This four-week training is free thanks to a grant from MnDOT.

It focuses on getting more women and people of color in the construction field, but it is open to anyone.

"There is a specific need for highway and heavy workers in this area, MN Dot is primarily funding this opportunity through a grant we received and it is because they need addition high and heavy work in the area," Workforce Development Inc. Trades Program Coordinator, Stacy Brumfield said.

The students will learn about different job opportunities, become CPR and first aid certified, and get flagger training.

"This space is kind of an untapped space for a lot of people they don’t realize that this is a high paying opportunity so empowering them with that information to know that they can go into this space and really have a long term career that they can build on is really important for the community," Brumfield said.

At the end of the four weeks, local contractors will have an opportunity to interview the students.