Building Futures in Minneapolis

Expanding Our Proven Model to Empower Young Builders

Since unCommon Construction began, we’ve envisioned a model that could thrive in other communities. After years of interest and exploration, we are taking the next step—bringing our hands-on, workforce-driven apprenticeship program to Minneapolis.

We launched our Minneapolis site in 2021 and thanks to a six-figure investment, we launched the uCC MPLS Program. While this funding doesn’t cover the full expansion, it allows us to establish strong programming, partnerships, and opportunities for young people ready to build their futures.

Minneapolis first became a potential expansion site in 2018 when unCommon’s founding Program Manager, Spencer Grant, returned home. As we explored the idea, we discovered how well our model fits into Minneapolis’ youth, education, and workforce ecosystems.

After years of planning, we piloted our program in Spring 2022 with a local high school. One student even added their short apprenticeship experience to their resume—helping them land a summer job at Ace Hardware. That’s the power of opportunity.

📢 Want to get involved?

Why Minneapolis?

With a growing demand for skilled trades and a strong network of community and industry partners, we are excited to make Minneapolis our first expansion city.

The uCC MPLS Program is designed to give young people the skills, experience, and connections they need for success.

✔️ Ages 18-20 (in compliance with Minnesota labor laws)
✔️ Paid work experiences with school internship credit & scholarship opportunities
✔️ Hands-on construction projects & career exposure events
✔️ Flexible schedule: 10-hour/week sprints (40 hours/month)
✔️ Connections to industry leaders & career pathways

Each four-week sprint allows students to work, play sports, or hold other jobs while participating in our program. Youth receive direct mentorship, develop real-world skills, and gain a professional network that can lead to long-term employment.

At unCommon Construction, youth help shape our program.

✅ They helped design our sprint structure to better fit their schedules.
✅ They contribute to project planning and even lead volunteer groups.
✅ They provide feedback through regular surveys—helping us improve and adapt.

We believe that by listening to our students, we create a program that works for them.