We’re Here to Help
Interested in taking the next step in your pursuit of skilled trades but not sure where to start? Our team of experienced professionals is here to help.
Some of the places we've been...
Iowa
Kennedy High School Cedar Rapid
Sioux Center High School Sioux Center
Spencer High School Spencer
Spirit Lake High School Spirit Lake
Minnesota
Mississippi Coming Fall 2025
South Dakota
where we've been
Rural MN CEP Bemidji Bemidji
Big Lake Schools Big Lake
National Sports Center Blaine
Mall of America Bloomington
Blue Earth High School Blue Earth
BEA Middle School Blue Earth
Fairibault Cty Fairgrounds Blue Earth
CareerForce Brainerd Brainerd
Wright Technical Center Buffalo
Buffalo High School Buffalo
Burnsville High School Burnsville
Cambridge High School Cambridge
Cedar Lakes Casino & Hotel Cass Lake
Kennedy High School Cedar Rapid
Maccray High School Clara City
Cleveland High School Cleveland
Greenway High School Coleraine
ACGC ELC Cosmos
South Washington ALC Cottage Grove
Rural MN CEP DL Detroit Lakes
Fairmont High School Fairmont
Arlington Hills Community Center Falcon Heights
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Participants Engaged
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Rural MN CEP Bemidji Bemidji
Big Lake Schools Big Lake
National Sports Center Blaine
Mall of America Bloomington
Blue Earth High School Blue Earth
BEA Middle School Blue Earth
Fairibault Cty Fairgrounds Blue Earth
CareerForce Brainerd Brainerd
Wright Technical Center Buffalo
Buffalo High School Buffalo
Burnsville High School Burnsville
Cambridge High School Cambridge
Cedar Lakes Casino & Hotel Cass Lake
Kennedy High School Cedar Rapid
Maccray High School Clara City
Cleveland High School Cleveland
Greenway High School Coleraine
ACGC ELC Cosmos
South Washington ALC Cottage Grove
Rural MN CEP DL Detroit Lakes
Fairmont High School Fairmont
Arlington Hills Community Center Falcon Heights
0
Rural MN CEP Bemidji Bemidji
Big Lake Schools Big Lake
National Sports Center Blaine
Mall of America Bloomington
Blue Earth High School Blue Earth
BEA Middle School Blue Earth
Fairibault Cty Fairgrounds Blue Earth
CareerForce Brainerd Brainerd
Wright Technical Center Buffalo
Buffalo High School Buffalo
Burnsville High School Burnsville
Cambridge High School Cambridge
Cedar Lakes Casino & Hotel Cass Lake
Kennedy High School Cedar Rapid
Maccray High School Clara City
Cleveland High School Cleveland
Greenway High School Coleraine
ACGC ELC Cosmos
South Washington ALC Cottage Grove
Rural MN CEP DL Detroit Lakes
Fairmont High School Fairmont
Arlington Hills Community Center Falcon Heights
Thank you for taking the time to become an instructor with Big Ideas!
On this page you will find refresher information on the simulators and deeper insights into your role as an instructor.
Core Messaging
The core messaging we are disseminating is the the trades are:
1. Noble
2. Are Jobs, Careers, Management, Entrepreneurial
3. Have Broad Range in Industries & Deep Specialties Within Industries
4. Are Foe Anyone/Everyone
5. Necessary and Equal, Not Less Than
More things
Here are more things
1.
2.
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4.
Utilize Our Industry Partner Network
Discover a rewarding career path through the Industry Partner Network. This growing group of industry leaders has partnered with Big Ideas to help build and support the next generation of skilled trades superheroes… starting with you!
Quick Navigation
Paint VR
VirtualPaint is a highly adaptable virtual reality training simulator that mimics a fully customized painting and coating production environment.
Virtual Paint Products
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Cost effective Environmentally-friendly Take hands-on training out of the spray booth and into the classroom Customize coatings, parts and equipment to replicate day-to-day operations Track data in real time to quantify painter skills Allows for continual practice and immediate feedback Completely eliminates hazardous air emissions and waste Significantly reduces the proper spray application learning curve Benefits experienced and novice painters Unlimited practice parts and coating at the touch of a button Use for hiring skill assessments and re-training evaluations
WoodEd by Mimbus
Check out these resources designed to help you explore trades further, including statistics, programs, apprenticeship connections, and more.
WOOD-ED TABLE is the only solution in the world that allows you to train your learners in the carpentry trades in a completely safe way. Reproduce the environment of four different machines:
Table Saw
Band Saw
Jointer
Router
The learner experiences the trade in total immersion, without the risk of injury. With WOOD-ED TABLE, your learners start by taking control of the stationary wood cutting machine and setting up the machines. To avoid the risk of accidents, the system detects the position of your students’ hands and tells them where to place them correctly.
Explore the Trades
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For newcomers and women in the trades, parents and educators, and employers and contractors, this website serves as a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey to a successful career in skilled trades.
Construct Tomorrow
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Construct Tomorrow was formed to bring awareness to high school students about the amazing post-secondary opportunities in the construction and building trades industries. Learn more and register for upcoming events near you.
CAT Excavation
There are so many outstanding colleges and universities in the state of Minnesota, all searchable here by location or program.
Minnesota Colleges and Universities
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Minnesota State consists of 26 colleges and seven universities throughout the state, offering 3,885 academic programs taught by exceptional faculty. Explore options by campus, program, or course at the link below.
Trade-Schools.net
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Skilled trades schools near you offer the chance to learn a new craft that can make a lasting impact on the world. Explore a wide range of programs and learn more about the process.
Miller Augmented Reality Welding
Scholarship opportunities are one of the best ways to help finance your education.
Scholarships
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There are a number of state and federal grant and loan forgiveness programs targeted at specific college majors, and this resource helps break those down as you plan your next step.
Apprenticeships
Access helpful information on apprenticeships from various reputable industry resources.
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
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Customized and hands-on, apprenticeships allow you to learn and earn while also offering rewarding careers and flexible work/life balance. To obtain an apprenticeship, apply directly to the employer’s personnel or hiring office using this comprehensive sponsor directory.
Construction Careers Foundation
Learn More
Learn all about what an apprenticeship is and if it’s the right choice for your unique career path.
Explore the Trades Apprenticeship
Learn More
Explore this interactive map to learn more about apprenticeships, trade schools, and licensing information within your state.
Craft Labor Demand Map
Total demand per state, updated quarterly.
“I was mentored by many great people throughout my career, and I love being able to give back and teach young tradespeople who are following the same path.”
Rick Louwagie
Big Ideas Instructor