Big Ideas News
What are skilled trades?
Skilled trades are not just plumber cracks and Albert Einstein hair, there are so many different career opportunities. All though skilled trades are defined as “any occupation that requires a particular skill set, knowledge, or ability” there is opportunities from the back office to the job site that are hourly and salaried positions that can support you and your family. There are ten career pathways within plumbing
2021 Trailer Recap
It was a successful year for our Mobile Learning Lab. With over 37 stops and 8,000 miles, we carried on our mission of providing trades career opportunities. As we continue to grow, we look forward to being in even more communities and hope to build our presence throughout the US. If you are interested in
Instructor Spotlight : Heidi Watson
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
Instructor Spotlight: Justin Wulf
Occupation: Business Owner, Master Pipefitter, Welder, Fabricator I work with Big Ideas to promote trades to bright young minds that could be successful in any career path. Trades are lacking people that have skills, creativity, and the desire to excel. While most people look down on trades as an alternative for the kids that aren’t college material,
Instructor Spotlight: Rick Louwagie
Occupation: Infrared thermographer/Electronics Technician/Electrician Why did you get started with the trades? I have always had a passion for electronics and all things electrical since I was a young kid. Getting the opportunity to go to a trade school and becoming an electronics technician was the greatest path to follow and build my career in
Big Ideas Heads North!
It’s a big week for Big Ideas! Our trailer is making 7 different stops in Northern Minnesota. If you want your school or business added to our next trip, visit bigideasusa.org/contact
“A black and yellow truck came to Park Rapids”
A black and yellow truck came to Park Rapids on Tuesday, Nov. 2, bearing a new-fangled way to introduce career seekers to old-school trades. Illustrating the bright idea on the side of the trailer was a big light bulb with a hammer at the center. It’s the logo of Big Ideas, a New Ulm-based organization
The Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab Returns to Riverbend in New Ulm
We returned to Riverbend Education to give the students another chance to explore the trades!
Big Ideas Receives CliftonLarsonAllen Donation
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
Instructor Spotlight: Richard Shaffer
Small Business Owner / Entrepreneur Owner/Operator of a small trade school in Northern MN. Working with Big Ideas to encourage more young people to consider the trades as a profession. Skilled trades people are in high demand in Northern MN as well as nationwide. Also, leveraging my marketing experience and connections to promote Big Ideas
Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab visit MVAC
Our Mobile Learning Lab was in Mankato, MN to visit MVAC. Interested in booking the trailer? Visit: Our Mobile Learning Lab Page
Big Ideas at the State Fair!
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!