Today, the construction trades are becoming popular career choices for high school students. Schools across the country are offering programs that teach practical skills and give hands-on experiences. At Lowell Senior High School, students are part of a program where they build houses from start to finish.
This approach mixes classroom learning with real work, helping students get ready for their future jobs. Starting the house build comes with being enrolled in the class for three years and being learning all the concepts of how to do it.
The first two years of the program split time between classroom lessons and workshop work, with students spending 25% of their time in class and 75% in the shop. In class, they learn important skills like reading blueprints, estimating costs, and understanding building rules. They also study different building materials and how to choose the right ones.
In the workshop, students put what they have learned into practice. Throughout the first two years of the program, they go from building tiny buildings such as bird houses, chairs, to small houses to resemble their last two years taking the class.
With help from their skilled teachers, they work together to build a house, doing tasks like framing, roofing, wiring, shelves, tables, chairs, and stools. This experience helps them gain technical know-how and also teaches teamwork, problem-solving, and managing project skills useful in any job or further study. Teachers David Berndt and Steve Ganzeveld both have great experience in what they do. “Construction is an opportunity for carpentry and life skills,” says Mr. Berndt.
Besides technical skills, students also develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. These help them become well-rounded and confident as they prepare for the future. Junior Greyson Walker says “This construction class that I have been taking for the past three years has taught me many valuable skills that many people don’t know at this age. These skills that I learned can help me save a lot of time and money later in life. The satisfaction that comes from building the house and knowing what me and my group have accomplished is truly a great feeling and an experience that all should feel at this age.”
This program benefits not just the students but also the school and the local community. Building a house gives students a clear goal and pride in their work. The finished house can also help meet local housing needs by providing a home for a family. Community members, including local builders, often join in to share their knowledge, making the learning even richer.
In short, the construction trades program at Lowell Senior High School gives students a chance to explore meaningful careers while helping their community. By combining classroom learning with hands-on work, students are not just building a house, they are building a strong foundation for their futures. This shows that education can take many forms, and vocational training is a valuable and respected path for young people.
