A group of 26 interns from the Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) visited Egan Company’s Champlin facility to gain first-hand exposure to careers in the skilled trades. Accompanied by five adult supervisors, the interns spent the day learning about the construction industry through a presentation, guided tour, hands-on activities, and a panel discussion with Egan employees.

The Minnesota Trades Academy is a paid summer internship program that introduces high school students and young adults, ages 16 to 21, to careers in construction through direct learning experiences and professional mentorship. The program aims to equip participants with foundational knowledge, practical skills, and insights into trade career pathways. 

During the visit, interns learned about Egan’s role as a multi-trades contractor and system integrator and took part in a guided tour of the facility, exploring areas such as the UL 508A panel shop, InterClad fabrication shop, and piping and plumbing operations.

Following the tour, the interns joined the Egan team for lunch and rotated through a Milwaukee Tool hands-on activity. These interactive demonstrations allowed participants to handle tools and ask questions in a more informal, conversational setting. 

The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring Egan employees from a variety of trade backgrounds and job positions. Panelists shared their career journeys and answered questions about training, job responsibilities, and what it’s like to work in the construction industry. The discussion provided students with a practical perspective on what to expect in a trade career and highlighted the wide range of opportunities available within the industry.

The visit to Egan Company served as one of several industry stops for the Minnesota Trades Academy interns this summer. By offering a real-world look inside the workplace, the program and its industry partners aim to strengthen Minnesota’s future workforce and support informed career decision-making among young adults.