Occupation: fabricator/welder Why do you work with Big Idea’s? I love teaching my skills to kids and adults who are excited to learn. What is your best experience in Skilled Trades? As a welder I think it’s amazing to build a car completely by hand and watching it go from sheets of steel to a
Occupation: Customs Car shop owner Why do you work with Big Idea’s? I work with Big Ideas because I see a definite push for all High school students to go to 4-year schools. College is not for everyone; college dropout rates show this. If more information were provided to students and adults about working in
Occupation: Auto Body Painter Why do you work with Big Idea’s? When I was in high school we did not have many opportunities to explore employment options outside of traditional college. I knew I wanted to work on cars but did not know what area outside of mechanics was available. This program would have
Kwik Trip is building a new location in New Ulm. When a new business comes to town, it’s not just the corporation that makes the money. How many careers do you see in these images?
We had a great time at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s. Students had the opportunity to use augmented & virtual reality to learn: welding, painting, heavy equipment, and more! 8th grader: “This has made me realize I am good at welding. I think that might me what I want to do as a career.” 10th grader:
Last week, Big Ideas partnered with Girl with Grit, a Texas based nonprofit, to bring a welding course to the girls in the program. The course was taught by our instructor, Briana Huhn, and covered MIG welding basics along with plasma cutting. The girls were able to learn shop safety and fundamentals of MIG welding,
Our Mobile Learning Trailer premiered at New Ulm Cathedral school this week! Students had the chance to try augmented virtual welding, paint simulator, and our brand new CAT heavy equipment trailer. If you are interested in having us come to your school, contact us at: Director@bigideasusa.org
The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women
My name is Andrew Kish I am currently a millwright at United Farmers Coop. I live in New Ulm Minnesota. 2008-2009: Went to ridge water college to receive my certificate in auto body. 2009-2010: Worked at Teskeys Manufacturing as a welding manager. 2010-2011: Worked for Grain States, LLC as a laborer and a welder building
Another exciting day at Big Ideas this past weekend. Saturday’s class consisted of: CAD, Plumbing, small engine assembly, and Ironworks (Millwright). Students of all ages can get introduced to a variety of trades. Let us know what classes you would be interested in taking!
We held a class specializing in the art of drywall! This is a great skill for any homeowner to know! Interested in learning this, or something similar? Let us know!
Our first 4H Club class was a huge success! The participants got to learn a variety of trades and got to use some awesome technology. Over the next 6 months, these students will explore over 10 different skilled trades. We are currently holding classes for all ages. Register here:
Big Ideas would like to welcome Jason Spurgin to our team! He has been an active carpenter since 1999! His true gift is his ability to connect with young students and new learners. Check out his impressive resume: 2010-present: Inspection technician City of New Ulm and Courtland. Building, HVAC, Plumbing, Fire and general building safety
Trades day was a huge hit! This was an opportunity for young people to try hands-on trades. Stations included: Carpentry Sewing Welding with a Virtual Machine Virtual Reality Painting We have real professionals who teach at each station. We hope this sparks an interest for students to explore options in the trades. If you are
Big Ideas USA was recently awarded as 1 of the 7 organizations in Minnesota by the Hirevets.org . We are extremely proud of this achievement, and we look forward to doing more! The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention,
Available for 10-14-year-olds with virtual reality and hands-on trades experiences 2-hour event with multiple stations. 9:00 am – 11:00 am Virtual welding Virtual paint Safety and measuring
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Maker’s Fair event with us! We got to show off our new VR paint technology and virtual welding machines. If you want to try them yourself, check out our class list: bigideasusa.org/events https://vimeo.com/465474407
Big Ideas will be at the Maker’s Fair in downtown New Ulm on October 3rd from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm in front of our OLD office at 9 N. Minnesota St. Try Virtual Welding and our new Virtual Paint Simulator!
New Ulm MN – It would be hard to believe that there is an organization that has not been slowed because of this global pandemic. Well, after a six-month hiatus, Big Ideas is back! We are scheduling classes through the end of the year and are ensuring that practices are being taken to create a
Thank you to Ryan Tree service of Springfield for showing us the professionalism and accuracy your company provides it’s customers. It truly was amazing to watch your team transform a yard so quickly and efficiently. It was very nice to see you leave the property cleaner than you found it. If you are interested in
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