Minneapolis, MN – Rudy Villeda came to the US 10 years ago as a young man looking to build a new life. After years of working for little pay, he found the opportunity he needed through an apprenticeship with the Painters and Allied Trades.
And, as contractors in the Dakotas scramble for skilled workers to build the second wave of construction following the region’s oil boom, the Painters and other construction trade groups are looking for new recruits like Villeda.
The Painters are working with six other trade groups, calling themselves the Coalition of Construction Professionals, to hold open houses in a dozen towns across the Dakotas this spring. The goal: get young Dakotans to help build their state, and learn a trade in the process.
“These are exciting times for anybody undecided what they want to do with their life,” Don Mullin, Business Representative for the Painters. “We’re rapidly responding to try and meet all the tremendous opportunities offered in this region.”
Villeda, 31, first came to the US from Mexico 10 years ago. He lived in several states, going wherever he could find work in construction. His bosses often worked him 12 hours a day for little pay and no benefits. It wasn’t until three years ago that a friend of his, living in Minnesota, tipped him off to the Painters’ training program.
Now he’s living just outside Minneapolis, and in his third year of training, soon to graduate as a journeyman painter. Since he started the program, he’s helped to build nursing homes, hospitals, and new apartments.
The benefits of training-on-the-job have given Villeda and his family the financial stability he came to America to find.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve been able to provide for my family,” said Villeda, a father of three. “When my children get sick, I have no problem taking them to the doctor because they’re insured.”
Looking back at his career decisions, Villeda said he’d recommend the program to anyone unsure of their next step.
“Here there is opportunity,” Villeda said.
For the Coalition, opportunity is what the campaign is all about.
“We’re determined to find motivated workers who are eager to learn a trade and start a new career,” said Business Manager Glen Johnson of Operating Engineers Local 49, a Coalition member. “This is a win-win for the industry, and for those interested workers, it’s a fabulous opportunity.”
“We’re hopeful our open houses will open the door into the middle class,” said Mullin.
The Coalition held its first of a series of open houses the last weekend in March in Williston and Minot. They will hold events in a dozen different towns over the months of April and May. This week-end the campaign makes stops in Dickinson and Bismarck.
