Graduating class: Miron celebrates 24 young adults at career signing day

More than 20 young adults last week took the next step in their construction careers in northeast Wisconsin.

Neenah-based Miron Construction held a career signing day celebration for 24 young adults who signed onto youth apprenticeships, started registered apprenticeships, continued youth apprenticeships or moved on to full-time work.

In November 2023, the construction industry had 459,000 roles unfilled throughout the U.S., an analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors showed. Contractors and unions in Wisconsin and beyond are trying to attract more young adults to the industry as demand and costs grow.

High school and college graduates officially started employment with a contractor who will sponsor them throughout their registered apprenticeship and give them on-the-job training, company officials said. Registered apprentices will also learn in the classroom at their designated union training center as part of the program, officials added.

Students from schools such as Hortonville High School, Menasha High School and Little Chute High School signed their papers and shook hands with Miron and union trainers.

Five new registered apprentices signed with the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, officials said. One signed with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139, officials added.

Nine new youth apprentices will start work in late summer and work throughout the 2025-26 school year, officials said.

In the last two years, Miron’s youth apprenticeship program grew more than 89% and extended to the company’s satellite offices, officials added.