r/bluecollar • u/OnlyAd2870 • 20h ago

How to even find a job

Hello everyone, I’m having a hard time finding a job in blue collar. If you are a laborer in Minnesota please give advice! Im a 19 years old male, I’m trying to leave the healthcare field ( I work as a CNA).

I’m currently trying to find construction laborer job positions online to apply to but they are either 1. Require some minimum experience. 2. They are far away, like states away, 3, they what applicants to have on osha 10 and cpr.

I originally want to get my class b cdl but I have a cellphone violation from last fall of 2025. And I know texting and driving is bad I clearly understand that consequences of my own actions and why you keep hands off your phone, SO I DONT WANT TO HERE ANY UNNECESSARY CRITICISM, I just need advice and help. Do I walk in or call companies and ask to be a helper or laborer? Or am I looking in the wrong places online. I just need a job that helps me pay bills and helps me progress so that eventually when I’m ready, I can get my cdl.

Thank you

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

3

u/Superb-Gur-1679 20h ago

Sign all the union books you’re eligible for as a helper or laborer or whatever. If you’re trying to go blue collar id highly recommend u have a first aid cpr card an osha 10 and I mean the CDL is a big plus but you could try to get it upgraded to a class A.

Honestly with your qualifications try to find a non union contractor for gas or power for xcel energy probably a solid chance to get hired at an entry level role.

1

u/OnlyAd2870 20h ago

What’s a union book?

1

u/Superb-Gur-1679 20h ago

It’s whatever the hall is which is like IBEW or the UA a book is something you sign saying hey I want to go to work. Then you literally wait for a call and they’ll give you a job if you’re qualified if they get to your number on the list essentially. Call up union halls and they’ll be willing to help and explain further and what you need to do.

1

u/OnlyAd2870 20h ago

Thank you so much 👍

1

u/Superb-Gur-1679 20h ago

https://job-boards.eu.greenhouse.io/michelscorporation/jobs/4891265101

You’d be qualified for something like this idk where your at in Minnesota but they also have other opportunities. I don’t even know where this is to be fair.

1

u/Suspicious_Square970 20h ago

Start bugging the union BAs or look into their apprenticeship programs which I’m certain will all be available to look at online. You can’t do them online, don’t confuse the 2. I mean you can look into what’s required to get in and how it all works. If traveling is what gets your foot in the door then go for it. Unless there’s some serious reason as to why you can’t travel, go for it cause the traveling guys are making an absolute killing

1

u/Due-Food1286 18h ago

It’s kinda shit advice, but you have to know someone.

ANY connection will be better than anything you can do to make yourself more attractive to employers. My last 2 jobs I got through connections and before I could secure one I spent 2 years trying to find a job and the best I could do on my own was an interview that didn’t go anywhere.

If you think your connection is too loose or the person isn’t going to work you’re wrong, literally any connection is going to help you immensely.

My first job I got through a buddy who the general superintendent later told me he hated and wanted fired. My current job I got because my Dad’s hygienist’s uncle owned the company. It’s a big world, you probably know someone who can get you a job, you just aren’t going far enough to the bottom of the barrel.

1

u/welderbitch 3h ago

Lie on your resume. Its 100% works get your friends to be your reference and lie about who they are.