We returned to Riverbend Education to give the students another chance to explore the trades!
Article from New Ulm Journal NEW ULM — Big Ideas, a New Ulm non-profit group that creates classes to expose student to the building trades, was the recipient of a CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Foundation award of $15,000. Local CLA staff were given a tour of the Big Ideas office and classrooms on South Minnesota Street, Tuesday
Our Mobile Learning Lab was in Mankato, MN to visit MVAC. Interested in booking the trailer? Visit: Our Mobile Learning Lab Page
Have you ever seen inside our Mobile Learning Lab? It’s open now at the Minnesota State Fair. Try augmented welding, industrial painting, CAT simulator and more!
We will be at the Brown County Free Fair Aug. 12th through the 15th. Stop in to see our Mobile Learning Lab and try our hands-on VR learning!
Occupation: Retired Municipal Employee Why do you work with Big Ideas? I enjoy meeting middle school-aged children and exposing them to basic plumbing. These young adults need exposure to the different building trades in order to foster a potential interest. Why do you love the trades? I personally get a strong sense of accomplishment from
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
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