“Best thing that ever happened to me” Excel Energy PowerUp program grad says of construction training

30 May 2025


News

Tyre graduated from the Xcel Energy PowerUp Program earlier this month. Three days later he was at work on a Twin Cities highway construction project. While it is demanding work and he comes home sore and tired he says he couldn’t be happier.

“I like doing stuff with my hands and building things and it pays really well,” said Tyre, who added that it is important for him to have a family-sustaining job because he has four children.

Tyre knew he wanted to go into construction, but despite taking an introductory construction training course, completing dozens of applications, making phone calls and knocking on doors last year, he didn’t get hired and the construction season was winding down. 

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