• Pre-Employment Workshops
• Training Opportunities
• Community Offender Re-entry Program

Step-Up is a national program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).  It provides employment and training in apprenticeship positions to low-income people.  The Duluth Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and the Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council, with the approval of the MN DOL, have jointly sponsored such a program for the occupation of Building Maintenance Repairer, a non-trade specific apprenticeship program.  The local Step-Up initiative provides meaningful education, job training, and employment opportunities in the construction field to eligible HOPE VI clients (first priority), other HRA clients, and Section 3 eligible residents in the community.

Step-Up Requirements

1. Must either be an eligible HOPE VI client (first priority), a Duluth HRA public housing resident, a Duluth Section 8 participant, or a Section 3 eligible person residing in the community (household income must not exceed 80% of the median for the area).
2. Must be lease and/or program compliant.
3. Must be at least 18 years of age.
4. Must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Degree (GED), or be in the process of obtaining a GED.
5. Must have a State of Minnesota driver’s license or be actively working toward possessing a driver’s license by the end of the probationary period.
6. Must be able to do physical work and lifting.

Screening

Applicants will also be tested for relevant physical and mechanical ability.  In addition, participating construction contractors (the employers) may require further testing as a part of their usual hiring practice.

How to Apply for the Step-Up Apprenticeship Program

Step-Up application forms are available at SOAR Career Solutions.  Please submit completed application forms to:  Step-Up Apprentice Case Manager, 205 West Second Street, Suite 101, Duluth, MN 55802.