Our unique training program puts you on a straightforward, step-by-step fast track toward an exciting career. It is a chance to receive the training, skill building, and networking necessary for a long-term career as a civil engineering technician.
We want the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to look more like the communities it serves. We want the people who live, learn, and play in our communities to also work in them. Opportunity+ was built to provide a pathway into the AEC industry for those that are generally underrepresented in it, specifically women and people of color. The intent of the program is to reduce and remove some of the barriers to a successful career as a civil engineering technician.
Civil engineering is the foundation of the places, spaces and systems that we use in our daily lives. Technicians play a critical role in ensuring the places we live, work and play – like roads, bridges, parks, homes, school, and even stadiums – are safe.
Opportunity+ focuses on preparing participants for work as a Civil Engineering Technician. People find these careers satisfying if they:
A Civil Engineering Technician is a broad term that could lead to many different career paths. This path could lead to a career in surveying, construction materials testing and site inspection, among other things.
The Career Pathway
With hard work, dedication, and consistent progress Civil Engineering Technicians reach new heights.
Survey crew members collect the data needed for construction and development. They bring maps to life by identifying points, places, and features in real life. That information is used to design and build almost everything around us.
A day in the life of a Survey Crew Member:
Survey Crew Members assist Survey Crew Chiefs with all day-to-day operations on a wide variety of public and private projects.
Specifically, Survey Crew Members will:
Construction materials technicians verify that the materials used in construction meet project specifications. Typically, testing is conducted as a project is being built. Technicians perform field testing to check the material’s physical properties such as air content, workability, temperature and density. Samples are also retrieved for laboratory testing of flexibility, strength, grain size and other mix properties.
A day in the life of a Construction Materials Testing Technician:
Construction Materials Testing Technicians will:
Site Inspectors have a variety of responsibilities. They work around natural gas distribution pipelines and facilities. Duties include measuring the depth and alignment of trenches and examining trenches for stones and debris or damage.
A day in the life of a Site Inspector:
Step 1
Complete an online application (check back in the fall of 2022). This indicates your interest and eligibility for the program. The right candidate is someone who has a positive attitude, is motivated, and is committed to learning.
Step 2
Complete a brief phone interview and skills assessment (includes math and communication). We will contact eligible applicants to schedule the assessment. If you are concerned about your math skills, but you’re ready to work hard – don’t worry. Opportunity+ will include math review to help you get up to speed.
Step 3
A group of 10-15 qualified candidates will be invited to join Opportunity+ starting in January.
Step 4
Attend the Opportunity+ Training Program. We expect participants to attend each session. Due to the hands-on nature of the training, the program will take place in person.
Step 5
Interview and start your career. Upon completion of the program, WSB, our hiring partners, and construction and engineering companies throughout the region will benefit from someone with your skills. You will likely be invited to interview with WSB or one of our hiring partners. Then, begin your career as a survey crew member or construction materials technician.
Applicants should meet the basic eligibility criteria as outlined below:
Personal Qualifications
Educational Qualifications
Physical Requirements
Other Requirements
For more information, contact opportunity@wsbeng.com.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
No, Opportunity+ is free.
Am I eligible for Opportunity+?
Opportunity+ is for anyone looking for a new path and interested in a career in civil engineering. People who are interested in a rewarding and evolving career are a great match for our program. If you are 18 years or older with a high school diploma (or equivalent) we encourage you to apply.
Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the program?
While we can’t guarantee a job upon completion, we’ll connect you with a variety of employers with job openings.
When does the program begin and end?
The program begins in January and ends in March. The program runs once per year.
What is the time commitment?
The program will run three nights a week – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – from 5:30-8:30 pm. We will also hold class one Saturday per month. You must attend all classes.
How many people will participate in the program?
We have space for 10-15 participants in the program.
Where will training take place?
The training will be held in WSB’s training space, WSB University at 701 Xenia Ave S, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55416. Parking is available on-site.
What precautions are you taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
The training space will be set up to maintain space between participants and the cohort size will be limited to 10-15 people. Hand and surface sanitizer will be available. Participants, instructors and visitors will be strongly encouraged to wear masks if unvaccinated and will commit to not attend the class if they are feeling sick or have had known exposure to someone with COVID-19.
We partner with our clients and communities to build what’s next in infrastructure—the places, space and systems that support our lives.