Ames Construction Supports Hands-On Pathways into Operating Engineering Careers
Ames Construction is proud to support the Operating Engineers Pathway Sandbox classroom at Saint Paul Public Schools because access to the trades should not be abstract. It should be hands-on from day one.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment between IUOE Local 49, Saint Paul Career Pathways, Minnesota Virtual Academy, the Saint Paul Port Authority, and industry partners to create meaningful opportunities for students. Through this collaboration, high school students are earning high school, college, and apprenticeship credit while gaining real-world experience with heavy equipment and building skills that translate directly to the field.
The Operating Engineers Pathway program, created by IUOE Local 49, introduces students across Minnesota to careers in heavy equipment operation through an online elective course offered for high school credit. Students remain enrolled in their local schools while completing coursework in equipment fundamentals, construction math, and other essential skills. In-person events throughout the year provide hands-on experience and help students connect with industry professionals.
The addition of the sandbox classroom brings this training to life by giving students the opportunity to operate equipment in a controlled, real-world setting. The Saint Paul site builds on the success of the first sandbox at Wright Technical Center and represents continued growth of a program that is expanding access to construction careers across the region.
Ames Construction has supported the pathway program in multiple ways, including hosting students at the company’s Rosemount shop for hands-on learning experiences and donating jersey barriers for the Saint Paul sandbox site. The company has also hired several pathway students in recent years and supported their progression into apprenticeship programs, with some now contributing to projects outside of Minnesota.
“Ames has seen firsthand how early exposure to the trades changes what students believe is possible,” said Jason George, Labor Relations Director at Ames Construction. “The Operating Engineers Pathway program gives students both the knowledge and the experience to take that next step. What makes this effort stand out is the commitment behind it. The program has grown to more than 350 students statewide, and now Saint Paul students will have direct access to hands-on training that helps turn interest into a career.”
With more than a dozen Saint Paul students beginning hands-on training in the sandbox this year, the program continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when industry, labor, and education work together with purpose.
At Ames, we believe the future workforce is built, not found. That means investing early, creating clear pathways, and opening doors that have historically been hard to access. Programs like this do not just introduce careers. They create momentum and belonging in an industry that needs both.
Ames is proud to be part of a coalition turning opportunity into action.
Watch the Kare 11 news coverage.
Photos by IUOE Local 49
