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 surveyor or construction materials technician in the civil engineering industry.
Location: CareerForce, Minneapolis North | 800 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis
Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings and one Saturday per month
Time: 5:30-8:30 pm during the week, Saturdays will vary but will be mid-day sessions
Schedule: The program runs January through April
Commitment: Participants must attend all sessions
Program Partners: City of Minneapolis & CareerForce, Center for Economic Inclusion, Emerge, Hennepin County, City of St. Paul
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 in Surveying and Construction Materials Testing. People find these careers satisfying if they:
Surveyors 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.
What it’s like on the job:
You will assist the Survey Crew Chief with all day-to-day operations of a two-person or three-person survey crew on a wide variety of public and private projects. Specific duties include:
The career pathway:
With hard work, dedication, and consistent progress you can reach new heights:
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.
What it’s like on the job:
The career pathway:
With hard work, dedication, and consistent progress you can reach new heights:
Step 1
Complete an online application (check back in the fall of 2020 for details about the 2021 program). 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 10-20 qualified candidates will be invited to join Opportunity+ starting in January 2020.
Step 4
Learn, grow, connect – Attend the Opportunity+ Training Program. To complete the program and gain access to careers in the field, we expect participants to attend each session.
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 surveyor 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 April. The program runs once per year.
What is the time commitment?
The program will run three nights a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday – from 5:30-8:30 pm. We will also hold class the third Saturday of the month. You must attend all classes.
How many people will participate in the program?
We have space for up to 20 participants in the program. Additionally, we will need at least 5 qualified candidates to run the program.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due by December 20 at 4 p.m. The phone interview and skills assessment must be completed by January 3.
We partner with our clients and communities to build what’s next in infrastructure—the places, space and systems that support our lives.