Big Ideas Blog

Apprenticeships

When it comes to learning a trade skill, there are several options. Many skilled trades paths include an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are different from internships in several ways: 1) Most apprenticeships are between 1-3 years. 2)…

Education Options

Do you know the education options for the trades industry here in Minnesota? The Minnesota State System has a great interactive site for the education options you are looking for: Click here

Career Depth

Plumbing careers are available, from fixing leaky toilets to designing complex structural plumbing systems. If the assembly, installation, and repair of pipes that carry water, steam, air, or gases and installing heating and cooling equipment…

Breadth of Careers within Industry

When we think of trade skills, most of us think:' plumbers, carpenters, welder' and while that is correct, skilled trades cover a much broader range of careers.  Consider everything that goes into building a house.…

Blue Collar White Collar

The terms blue-collar and white-collar appeared first in 1920 to distinguish workers based on the color of the shirts they wore  White-collar jobs are more corporate and managerial, while blue-collar jobs are often non-management but actual physical labor type…

Classroom Connections

The classroom is traditionally the backdrop for education, inspiration, and growing curiosity. For Big Ideas, it is all of those things and also a great source of joy, as we see our mission fulfilled. A…