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Build Your Future One Skill at a Time

Construction Connect UP

Interested in a career in the trades? Construction Connect UP is a great way to get started! You can earn while you learn and get started on your career path!

There's An Easier Way to Enter the Trades with Construction Connect UP!

Get real world experience in a labor and industry approved program!  Together, the Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) and Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) have been able to collaborate to allow students to learn skills of different trades in a hand-on, real-life setting. The result: students were able to get opportunities to be placed into an apprenticeship or private, competitive employment!

 

Registration closed on April 1st, 2024.

construction workers

How It Works!

STEP ONE
Meet the Requirements
In order to apply for the CCUP program you must meet the following requirements:
  • Must be a High School Senior at least 17 years of age
  • Must be enrolled in a certified CTE program
  • Must have driver's license or it's in process and reliable transportation
  • Must pass a drug screen
  • Apply to Participate!
STEP ONE
STEP TWO
Interview for the Position
Each student will be formally interviewed before being accepted a a participant in this program. But don't worry, anybody interested will be able to attend a resume and interview skills workshop, to help you prepare.
STEP TWO
STEP THREE
Meet with a Michigan Works! Talent Specialist
Once accepted into the program, you'll work with a Michigan Works! Talent Specialist to discuss your career goals and complete paperwork for enrollment into the Construction Connect U.P. program.
STEP THREE
STEP FOUR
EARN and LEARN
You will be assigned to a signatory contractor on a construction site Monday-Thursday, and will work 2 hours a day during the school day based on the your class schedule. Plus, you will earn $13 an hour while you experience different building trades!
STEP FOUR
STEP FIVE
Make Valuable Connections for Your Future
Make valuable connections with contractors in the industries you would like to enter, and potentially even get apprenticeship or job opportunities to set you up for your future!
STEP FIVE

Successful Students Like You Started in the Construction Connect UP Program!

Lexie V., a Kingsford High School Graduate (Class of '23), was drafted into the E&I technician program at Billerud, a paper manufacturer. Lexie felt that the most useful skill she learned was wiring switches and lights. She knew that she wanted to do electrical work and after completing the program, she found her fit in an industrial setting!
Lexie V.
Kaiden B., an Escanaba High School graduate (Class of ’23), was drafted into the IBEW. Kaiden was happy with his experience and said that he was “able to do a lot more” than what he thought he was going to be able to do.
Kaiden B.
Parker L., an Escanaba High School graduate (Class of ’23), was drafted into the Carpenters & Millwrights. Parker thoroughly enjoyed his rotation through the trades and likes to try to learn as much as he can about everything, but ultimately, he chose to pursue construction and carpentry.
Parker L.
Tyler S., an Escanaba High School graduate (Class of ’23), was drafted into the Carpenters & Millwrights. His favorite part of the CCUP program was being able to be on different job sites and enjoyed the commercial aspect of working with a general contractor.
Tyler S.
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Get Ready to WIN with a
Career in the Trades!