Tom Aasheim
Department: Workforce
- Tell us about your background.
I was a Painter by trade and wanted to give back to our membership the knowledge that I have learned from many of our members over the years. I started to teach part time classes at Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 11 years, I have moved from a part time instructor to full time, trades coordinator and now I am the Director of Technical Education.
- Share about the work of Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM).
FTIUM is an apprenticeship college that trains the members of International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) which includes Painters, Drywall Finishers, Glaziers and Glassworkers and Sign Technicians and Convention Workers. We train apprentices to do these careers and we keep journey workers trained in current safety and industry certifications that are relevant to their trades.
- What are some of the challenges of attracting more people to the skilled trades in Ramsey County?
This work is very physical, but very rewarding. Many people do not want to work on construction sites due to the elements of nature and the lack of understanding about the opportunities that are available in a building trades career. We have had success in the past few years in getting in touch with high school student and showing them the trades in a hands-on environment and this has started to get some added interest in these careers.
- Where do you see the most opportunities for individuals looking to start a career in the trades?
All trades are looking for people that want to work and have the ability to work on a scheduled project basis. If someone wants to look into a trade they can reach out to any apprenticeship and they will help them to understand the process for starting a career.
