News And Stories
Tyrone Browley builds new dreams at Tree Trust
In 2005 Tyrone Browley, age 24, had been doing temp work for a couple of years when he joined Tree Trust's Young Adult Conservation Corps. He had earned a GED and was no longer in school, but he had discovered he liked construction and hoped that at Tree Trust he could learn more about it.
His first job was taking down diseased elm trees -- cutting, debarking and chipping. Then he joined crews doing mowing, raking and other property maintenance. Having shown he was a good worker, his next step up was basic carpentry -- learning to build home access ramps for low-income persons with disabilities. "I liked the work, I liked going to new places, I liked the organization and I liked the people I worked with," says Tyrone. This was like a dream job, but his training period was over and he needed to move on.
The first place Tyrone looked for work was on the Tree Trust staff. After filling a couple of temporary spots, he applied for a new opening in Tree Trust's Landscape Services division doing just what he wanted - building ramps and other carpentry projects. He got the job -- his first full-time position with full benefits.
Serving as the right-hand of carpentry crew leader, John White, Tyrone continues to learn new skills building bridges and boardwalks. And he enjoys the familiar work of constructing access ramps as well. "I come in the morning and I know what to do. I love it. It's like getting to do your hobby every day."
Tyrone wants to work at Tree Trust "as long as possible," but now he has a new dream. His life goals -- to be a master carpenter building houses, have a family - a couple of kids and to be financially independent!
Tree Trust
2350 Wycliff Street Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-644-5800
Fax: 651-644-1469
