Senate committee hears Building Strong Communities apprenticeship‑readiness bill; program testimony highlights placements and supports

Senate File 15‑08, presented March 4 by Senator Jo McEwen, would provide state support for Building Strong Communities (BSC), a multi‑trade apprenticeship readiness program that serves participants across the Twin Cities, Rochester, Mankato, Duluth and the Iron Range.

“Building Strong Communities is not just a workforce program. It’s a pathway to lifelong careers in the skilled trades,” Rick Martigan testified. Martigan identified himself as a U.S. Navy veteran and described BSC’s classroom and hands‑on model: eight‑week virtual construction classroom instruction delivered by North Hennepin Community College, combined with up to six weeks of trades‑provided hands‑on training; OSHA‑10 safety training and a year‑long advocate assigned to each participant. Martigan said graduates earn four college credits and are connected to registered apprenticeships through industry partners.

Two participants who testified described BSC’s impact. Keelan Newman, a second‑year heat‑and‑frost insulator and an Army reservist, said the program’s online flexibility and supports (including gas cards, boots and transportation assistance) helped him move from housing instability into full employment and family stability. “This program… got me on the job site sooner,” Newman said. Darlissa Squires, a 2024 graduate who entered the Operating Engineers Local 49 apprenticeship in May, said BSC’s mentorship, hands‑on field trips and provision of boots and tools helped her start work quickly.

Martigan told the committee BSC’s enrollment has “nearly tripled” since 2022; he said the program expanded outreach to youth through a partner organization, Construct Tomorrow, which offers career exploration to high school students. Committee members thanked witnesses and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion; the hearing did not record a committee passage vote.

Testimony described program features and participant supports, but several numeric statements about enrollment and placement were given in oral testimony without accompanying document attachments in the hearing record. If funded, the bill would require further appropriation language and reporting as the Legislature advances the measure.

Sources: testimony by Senator Jo McEwen; Rick Martigan, Building Strong Communities; Keelan Newman, program participant; Darlissa Squires, program graduate.