Applications for the Upper Peninsula Construction Council's (UPCC) Construction Connect U.P. Program are open through Feb. 1 through Mar. 31. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA – The Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) is seeking current high school juniors to participate in Construction Connect UP, a program designed to serve as an effective transition from school to careers.

UPCC is recruiting for the official start of the Construction Connect U.P. program to begin in the 2026/2027 school year. Applications Close March 31. Participants earn $15 per hour while learning in the program, which is expected to run from Sept. 2026 to May 2027.

“Students who successfully complete the program can be drafted directly into skilled trades apprenticeships, bypassing the application process altogether,” said UPCC Executive Director Mike Smith.

The UPCC, a joint labor/management council, collaborated with its signatory contractors & UP building trades unions, UP Michigan Works, Delta-Schoolcraft ISD, Dickinson-Iron ISD and Marquette-Alger Regional Education Services Agency to develop a program that is skill-based, labor-and industry-approved and directly linked to real workplace situations.

Applications opened Feb. 1st and are open through Mar. 31.

Construction Connect UP program requirements include:

– Must be a high school senior or at least 17 years of age

– Must have valid drivers license or in process and reliable transportation

– Must be enrolled in a certified CTE program

– Have attended at least 95% of scheduled classes during freshman, sophomore, and junior years of high school

– Must have maintained at 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale

– Must pass a drug test

– Dress for a construction site

“There is a huge need across the U.P. for skilled tradespeople,” Smith said. “The CCUP program is great because you get to work in the real world, and you get paid doing it. It’s a great way to get out and start a career.” Apply at https://upmichiganworks.org/the-construction-connect-up-program/ Clink on apply now. Applications Close March 31st, 2026

Email U.P. Michigan Works! at contactus@upmichiganworks.org, or give us a call at 800-285-9675 for more information.