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A taste of a trade

Staff photo by Connor Cummiskey Chris Ingebritson, right, explains how mechatronics is used to build machines to siblings Emma Fliszar, 18, left, and Nate Fliszar, 14, middle, during the Big Ideas, Inc., kickoff event Tuesday evening in Riverside Park.

NEW ULM — Tradespeople gathered in Riverside Park Tuesday to introduce visitors to the trades and Big Ideas, Inc.

Big Ideas hosted the kickoff event to begin generating interest in the trades as the organization’s first class approaches. On Monday, June 26, there will be the level-zero orientation class for carpentry.

“Our goal (Tuesday) was just to introduce people to the trades and let them do a little bit of a hands-on demonstration,” Director Rebecca Werner said.

Six tables were set up loosely centered on a wooden bench suspended between two planters that Big Ideas had donated to Riverside Park.

Visitors could attempt some basic demonstrations in electrical work, welding, horticulture, carpentry and mechatronics (the melding of electronic and mechanical engineering).

“When we reached out in our community to our tradesmen, we had an overwhelming response,” Werner said. “All of our tradesmen are very willing to help out and be part of this program.”

The tradespeople were glad to see a program that could bolster youth interest in skilled labor. Tony Ruch, who oversaw people building lamps at the electrical table, said he was concerned kids were not learning the basic skills they had in the past.

As an example Ruch shared that he was working with a high-school student who did not know how to insert a drill bit into a drill.

“I think it is a great idea to get people interested in different lines of work, different trades,” Tim Waibel, who presented plumbing skills, said. “Making sure people understand that there could be a shortage of tradespeople — skilled labor, plumbing, carpentry, electricians; we all need that to make the world go round.”

A shortage in skilled labor would likely increase prices, Waibel said. Ruch and the carpentry presenter Joe Hoffman both said they have had difficulties recruiting labor.

“There are just a lot more general labor needs out there, and it is tough to fill the jobs out there, so I think they have got something good going here,” Hoffman said.

Big Ideas’ website is now up and running. For updates check out bigideasusa.org or call 1-866-992-4443.

“It has been great, the community support and need for this is bigger than we thought,” Werner said. “It is exciting to see this many people coming down and giving it a look.”

To sign up for the upcoming carpentry class and others go to www.nupseagleshop.com, scroll down to community education and look for trade classes.

Connor Cummiskey can be emailed at ccummiskey@nujournal.com.

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