Wyatt Built a New Career Through Construction Training

Before joining Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) construction training, Wyatt worked in various delivery driver positions, from the U.S. Postal Service to Auto Zone. He was ready for a career change and wanted something more hands-on.

Discovering Construction Training

Wyatt learned about GESMN’s construction training through his Vocational Rehabilitation Services counselor.

“I wanted to do more physical work and get more hands-on experience. I knew I wouldn’t do very well in an office setting. I cannot sit still for very long. I’d rather be moving around. That’s why I picked the construction training,” Wyatt said.

Hands-On Learning

The 12-week training provides hands-on construction skills, industry-recognized certifications, professional coaching, college credit and job placement assistance at no cost to participants.

“I enjoyed it,” Wyatt said. “I got to meet all new people and I learned all new skills. I bought a lot of books beforehand, so that I could understand what they [the instructors] were talking about before I attended the training.”

Starting a New Job

After completing the training, Wyatt secured a job at Cennox as a general laborer.

"Most of my job is cleaning up after the trade people like electricians, carpenters, dry wall - all of that. I clean up after them after they finish their jobs. I make sure on work sites that they are clean and prepared for the next day,” he said.

“I do enjoy cleaning up. It’s my favorite part of the job because it passes by really fast. You don’t have to think about anything else, just clean and next thing you know one hour feels like five minutes.”

Looking Ahead

Wyatt’s ultimate goal is to be part of the bricklayer union. “I’m still trying to work on becoming a bricklayer. I do have plans and goals and I’m trying to push my path towards that.”

GESMN’s construction training gave Wyatt valuable certifications, including OSHA 10, MDOT Flagger, MC3, First Aid and Scissor Lift.

Reflecting on these credentials, Wyatt shared: “They definitely help you stand out when applying for a job, that’s for sure.”

Looking back, he said the training was more than just a resume boost – it changed how he saw his future: “I was just happy to have something new. That made a big impact because I got to do something more. I wanted to do more hands-on work, learn new skills and I don’t feel like I’m stuck with a job that’s just repetitive.”

Wyatt’s Advice for Others

Wyatt’s advice is to prepare before the training begins. "I would advise that when you enter the training, you should at least have some independent training. What I mean is, like I said before, I bought a book to understand what they [the instructors] were talking about before I went into the training.”

“I would highly recommend doing some self-training and make sure this is something that you really want to do.”

Learn more about the nearly 20 services and programs GESMN offers to create career possibilities.