FTIUM 2023 Year in Review

2023 was a year of giant steps for DC 82 and FTIUM. We’d like to take a moment at the end of this year to share our most notable highlights!

January
2023

At the beginning of 2023, we launched the FTIUM Care Team - a network of caregivers who provide access to life-saving mental health services, substance use counseling, health consultation, and more critical resources to DC 82 members, FTIUM students, and our staff.

February
2023

Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technologies students walked in their graduation ceremony. Congratulations on an even brighter future!

March
2023

A glowing article about the FTIUM Care Team was published in the Star Tribune, featuring FTIUM student Mike Vitt.

April
2023

DC 82 members and FTIUM apprentices updated their resumes with dozens of continuing education courses offered in Little Canada and outside the Metro.

May
2023

We focused on suicide awareness, connecting students and members with resources to get help 24/7.

June
2023

FTIUM launched its new-and-improved mobile training unit, sharing vital training on the go.

July
2023

FTIUM staff received critical NARCAN training and toolkits to keep everyone safer on the job.

August
2023

We reflected on the history of FTIUM with DC 82 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Stark. Jeff talked about how the Minnesota Legislature heard our voices as workers - they now know that having union-trained apprentices and journey workers can be the difference between having a successful project and having a safety disaster. https://iupat82.org/ftium-where-we-came-from-where-were-going/

September
2023

Finishing Trades Academy had its first day of school on September 14. The program welcomed over 20 all-star high school students from diverse backgrounds. Finishing Trades Academy had over 30 high schools sign on to be a part of the program. That means giving even more high school students a gateway to apprenticeship right after high school.

October
2023

In October, we focused on preventing harassment on job sites. Interrupting problematic behaviors when you see them on a job site is a concrete way you can create change.

November
2023

FTIUM & DC 82 focused on the hard work of our incredible apprentices with 5 spotlight interviews and social posts.

December
2023

Data showed us that DC 82 members utilized the FTIUM Care Team about 3 times more than similar employee assistance programs (EAPs) in Minnesota. We’re doing great, let’s keep it up!

Nothing we do would be possible without our incredible, diverse, always-growing student body. Thank you for contributing to our community as we collectively change the culture of construction. Onward to an even greater 2024!

All 16 Finishing Trades Academy students walk at graduation.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

FTIUM students,

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and we’re sharing resources and events from the FTIUM Care Team to help you and your families get active in the fight to prevent suicide in our community.

Out of the Darkness Walks are cathartic community events organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP. These walks are a great opportunity for individuals and teams to raise money for AFSP to invest in life-saving research, education, advocacy, and support for those impacted by suicide.  

Minnesota Walk Dates 2023:

We hope to see you at an Out of the Darkness Walk this month or next.

If you or someone needs help, dial 988 to reach the suicide hotline. Never hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. You’re never alone in your struggle.