Page 6 - TTWIWinter2022-2023

Careers in Motion — Construction
Page 6 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaywi.com

Student-Built House Construction Program In 25th Successful Year

At this year’s event, the crisp morning the prior school year was recently sold for
air surrounded those in attendance, an Ameri- $410,000. Proceeds from the sale will go toward
can flag waved in the slight breeze, and a large scholarships, tools, and equipment, as well as
table was filled with hard hats and donated gear. purchasing land for future construction projects.
Each student in attendance had the opportunity Now that the weather is colder, students
to stand in front of their peers and community have wrapped up the house framing and installed
members and share why they decided to par- the trusses - the triangular wooden structures
ticipate in the program. From the desire to gain used to support the roof. Soon the plumb-
hands-on experience in building a house, to ing, electrical, and HvAC installations will be
getting their foot in the door early for a career in complete. Instructor and project manager Ted
construction or electrical engineering, every stu- Schermetzler will continue to lead the students
dent’s story was distinctive and personal. Their every step of the way.
statements of intent were powerful. This is truly a community project. Stu-
brian Sippel, North Central States dents benefit from working alongside local
Regional Council of Carpenters representative, contractors, carpenters, electricians, and other
spoke at the program. brian graduated from skilled professionals, who guide and teach
South High School in 1999 and participated them throughout the construction process. A
in the first-ever house construction project. He Construction Trades committee made up of
shared with those in attendance how his experi- representatives from local businesses, orga-
Each year for the last 25 years, Sheboygan Area real-world, hands-on learning experiences,” ence within the program in high school helped nizations, and school staff meets regularly to
School District students from both North and said Superintendent Seth Harvatine. to guide his career path and become the success- guide and support the project and the students
South High Schools who are enrolled in Career The project kicks off each year with a ful carpenter he is today. involved.
& Technical Education build a house from the groundbreaking ceremony where students’ con- but before any construction work could The Sheboygan Area School District looks
foundation to the interior finishing touches. fidence is bolstered by program leaders and the begin, students enrolled in the district’s Project forward to another successful year for this
This unique, innovative opportunity gives stu- excitement for the upcoming project is palpable. Lead the Way Civil Engineering and Architec- popular program!
dents the chance to experience hands-on work Students, their family members, community ture classes designed a house plan. The students’
and gain skills, experience, and connections to members, representatives from the district, local plans are evaluated by a group of industry build-
pursue a career in construction trades. carpenters, and electricians all come together at ers and educators, and the top design is chosen
“It is incredibly important for our schools this ceremony to recognize the hard work about to be built the next school year. sheboygan.k12.wi.us
to prepare students for the future by offering to be underway. The student-built house constructed over

Wausau School District Woodmizer

Continued from Page 1
of oak, white pine and red pine logs is available
for use on the mill. While this material was oth-
erwise sold for pulp, it can now be used to serve
the needs of students in the district. The other
beneficial partner that has been instrumental in
the early success of this project is the Wausau
and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and
Forestry Department. As managers of all urban BUILD YOUR
forests and county land, they have a tremendous
amount of material that is constantly available. A CONSTRUCTION
mutually beneficial relationship has been estab-
sented; closing the gap between logs and lumber. lished that provides raw materials to the school
The mill was first incorporated into several levels for milling and also provides finished lumber CAREER
of wood manufacturing classes. While wood back to the Parks Department for use on projects
performance, defects, drying, and behavior were throughout the parks system and in the Wausau AT NDSU
covered at a high level prior to this point, the community.
process of actually milling a log makes all of What initially began as a simple purchase
these otherwise abstract concepts very immedi- to serve the needs of students in wood manufac-
ate and relevant. Students found that how lumber turing classes has quickly become something FOUR-YEAR ACCREDITED DEGREES:
is milled from a log has a dramatic impact on all well beyond this. Key partnerships have been • Construction Engineering
of these concepts. The students quickly realized established, district resources are being used to
that planning and foresight were essential to gen- serve district needs, and students are gaining • Construction Management
erate quality lumber and minimize waste. greater perspective and valuable skills related
Another key component to the success of to the forest products industry that has a long Schedule your visit today: ndsu.edu/visit
the implementation of the portable sawmill is and storied history in Wausau and northcentral
a constant supply of raw material. The Wausau Wisconsin.
School District is fortunate to have a school
forest within the district. Forest management @ndsuengineering @NDSUengineering @ndsu_coe
is a constant process at the school forest and wausauschools.org
because of these efforts, a fairly steady supply