Construction Trades Pre-Apprentice Training accepting new students

As Avivo gets ready to welcome a new cohort into it’s Xcel Energy Power Up Construction Pre-Apprentice training program January 2025, staff recently had the opportunity to reconnect with the graduates from the inaugural cohort, which finished in May.

“I want to appreciate Avivo for the opportunity to excel in my career, shares Marfred, a graduate of the program. “Through financial and moral support from Avivo, my career as an electrician is well on course.”

“I want to appreciate Avivo for the opportunity to excel in my career … Through financial and moral support from Avivo, my career as an electrician is well on course,” shares Marfred, a graduate of the program.

The Xcel Energy Power Up program is a unique program that provides students, like Marfred, with the opportunity to explore various construction trades and pursue apprenticeships, all without prior experience. During the 16-week program, participants learn about various trades, identify areas of interest, become matched with local unions and employers looking to hire graduates, all while having access to support services throughout.

“I am honored to be a first-year apprentice at the St. Paul Local 110 IBEW and presently working…” shares Marfred.

“I am honored to be a first-year apprentice at the St Paul local 110 IBEW and presently working…”

Elvin Jones, an Avivo mobility mentor for the program, was excited to see the success program graduates have seen. “The first graduating class consisted of eight students, and all of them have successfully secured apprenticeships in diverse trades such as electrician, insulator, ironworker, and carpenter,” shares Elvin.

Elvin beams when discussing the graduates and the transformation they’ve seen post graduation. He shares that the goal of the program is career education and to place program participants in union apprenticeship construction jobs, while providing them robust support services and milestone payments to celebrate their accomplishments and provide support throughout the program.

“The positions graduates of this program can apply for are high in demand, with an average starting wage of $26 per hour. Companies are eager and waiting to hire graduates of the program, and the first cohort is proof of the success.”

We are excited to announce that a new session of the program will begin on January 6, 2025! Registration will close December 20, 2024. Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly! If you’re interested, we encourage you to attend one of our weekly information sessions or contact Brett Sietsma.