Construction Apprenticeship Program

The apprenticeship program provides paid job training to underserved youth, helping them build the skills to succeed in work, school, and life.  Three days each week, apprentices work as part of a team toward a common goal- building a boat. Through the process, youth learn and develop social and emotional skills such as communication, self-management, and critical problem-solving, as well as develop the skills and work history necessary to land them quality jobs or educational opportunities upon graduation.​

An apprenticeship lasts 3-12 months (initial commitment is one session). Each cohort or session lasts 3-4 months, and youth can be hired for consecutive cohorts, with a total of 15 months of employment. Pay starts at $15/hour with opportunities to receive a raise with each new session.

Throughout our program, youth develop:

• ​Technical skills and a work history that are transferable to a wide range of industries such as carpentry, mechanics, or welding.
• Social and emotional skills, which research shows are considered essential to future success.
• Career and future-readiness skills via field trips to work sites and colleges, interview practice and resume writing, and help with future financial and goal planning.

A Capstone to Remember:

Each apprentice’s journey concludes with a capstone boat launch; participants have an opportunity to test the product of their hard work by paddling the boats they made on some of Minnesota’s most beautiful lakes and rivers. Additionally, youth are eligible and encouraged to participate in a free three- or five-day wilderness experience on either the St. Croix River or in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Spring 2025 applications are now closed. Summer 2025 applications will open in May.