Big Ideas News

Big Ideas goes to Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial
The Big Ideas Inc Trailer made its way to LCWM today! The trailer allows students to explore careers through virtual reality. Some of the careers include welding, heavy equipment operation and auto painting. Students are also able to explore over 25 other careers using virtual reality headsets! It is a great day to be a

Tig Welding Classes
In-person classes are happening now! If you are interested in taking a class, see our events calendar here

Mobile Lab at Farmamerica
We had an amazing time at Farmamerica – The Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center Over the course of 2 days we met with over 300 students to talk about how the skilled trades fit within agriculture. Thanks to all the staff, students and teachers who make this event fun, interesting and inspiring to so many!

Girl Scouts Build Birdhouses
Big Ideas teaches bird house building with a local Girl Scouts group. Look at how great everyone did!

Big Ideas in Mankato!
Students at East and West high schools got to visit the Big Ideas mobile learning lab. They experienced virtual welding, virtual reality, excavating, and painting. The experience showcased high-wage and in-demand careers in Trade and Industry. Always learning and growing!

Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab goes to Waseca
From the Waseca Public School Facebook Page: “Our ALC students are getting some virtual job experience! The “Big Ideas USA” (www.bigideasusa.org) trailer came to our Central Building and had wonderful staff on hand to help students learn to use virtual welding equipment, paint sprayers, and excavating trucks. What a cool experience for our kids –

Big Ideas at the New Ulm Area Career Expo
Today, Big Ideas is at New Ulm Area Career Expo, exposing #careers in #trades!!

4-H Welding with Big Ideas
We continued our in-person classes at the CTE Center in New Ulm. Today’s class was welding with 4-H students.

Big Ideas Trailer with Russell Tyler Ruthton FFA Chapter
“Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab Big Ideas Inc brings a new way to explore in-demand, high skilled trades jobs with interactive experience. Over 120 RTR middle and high school students used fully immersive virtual reality systems to introduce welding, industrial painting, CAT excavator and and Oculus based career exploration system housing over 20 trades simulations!”

A wonderful donation from Bank Midwest in New Ulm!
This past Monday Big Ideas was grateful to receive a donation from Bank Midwest and their team in New Ulm. Thank you for supporting our mission!

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) They are usually structured. 3) It includes a mentorship 4) Apprenticeships are paid positions! 5) They have an industry recognized

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