Making an impression: Eden Prairie Asphalt host students

Tomorrow’s industry leaders got a firsthand look at a career in pavement planning recently when they visited the Central Division’s Eden Prairie Asphalt Plant.

Tomorrow’s industry leaders got a firsthand look at a career in pavement planning recently when they visited the Central Division’s Eden Prairie Asphalt Plant.

The Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA) partnered with Minnetonka High School, located outside of Minneapolis, to develop VANTAGE, an innovative advanced professional studies program.

The program focuses on developing critical skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, leadership, team collaboration, and professionalism, while providing students with project-based learning opportunities, regular guest instruction, site visits, and one-on-one mentoring. Recently, Martin Marietta had the opportunity to assist 2024’s VANTAGE participants.

To conclude this year’s program, the students undertook a six-week, in-class project that involved estimating, math, physics, and some hands-on project scoping alongside industry professionals.

Upon finishing the coursework, the students were asked to apply what they had learned to a real-life scenario. Tasked with assessing a parking lot and completing the bidding process from start to finish, the students were required to estimate costs, develop a project plan, and perform other key project functions. They then presented their findings to the Minnetonka City Council.

To cap off the project, the VANTAGE program students and teachers were invited to tour Martin Marietta’s Eden Prairie Asphalt Plant and visit a local paving project. The tour was led by Eden Prairie Plant Manager Brad Paul, Quality Manager Don Petty, and Leadperson Mike Kalina, who helped the students further understand the industry.

“It was nice to see young people from the area showing interest in our business,” Kalina said. “I’m glad we got the opportunity to show them our state-of-the-art facility, and hopefully, we made an impression on them.”

Chris Benson, an area manager and past president of MAPA, attended the tour and said the students were incredibly professional and paid close attention to Martin Marietta’s safety standards.

“They asked good questions, but the one that stuck out most was, ‘What are the wings on the safety vests for?,” Benson said. “It was my pleasure to explain the Guardian Angel Creed and the importance of a strong safety culture in our line of work.”

MAPA Executive Director Abbey Bryduck said the visit was a huge success and helped introduce students to an exciting industry.

“Most students are typically only familiar with trades they encounter in everyday life, such as plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC. Introducing them to real-world examples of asphalt paving and production expands their understanding and awareness of our industry,” Bryduck said. “When we take the time to connect with them and demonstrate what we do, it leaves a lasting, positive impression. At the very least, they gain an appreciation for the hard work that goes into building our roads.”

In the future, MAPA plans to call on its member companies to help expand the VANTAGE program so that more students are able to learn about the industry.