Page 8 - TTWISpring2026

Construction Trades
Page 8 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Platteville High School Construction Class Wraps Up 2-Year Project

– there was a high-level of customization to this an employee that can work through those situ-
project,” says Sasse. “It is a culmination of part- ations without getting offended,” he continued.
nering with the local community construction The PHS Construction Program is com-
experts teaching our students about the construc- prised of 4 classes that build off each prior
tion process. Seeing them transition from reading course:
the house plans to safely and skillfully installing Construction 1 deals mostly with founda-
siding or flooring is incredibly inspiring.” tions, framing (floor, wall, and roof), roofing,
Across the board, the PHS Construction openings, and exterior coverings (siding, soffit,
Program aims to teach students to be safety- and fascia). Students learn about each system
minded, have an understanding of what to expect (and safety requirements) and then construct
when they get to the adult world of construction, each system in a shop setting. When finished
and how to handle their own continued growth in we have a completed 8’X12’ lawn shed that
whichever industry they enter. requires no maintenance (usually having lined
“One of the reasons we have this program up an owner before we start the project). Stu-
is to help equip the students to be the future work- dents are required to do all materials estimating
force for area trades companies. We don’t know and pricing to provide the potential “customer”
if kids are headed into commercial, residential, or a price quote.
specialty trades so we’re striving to give them a Construction 2 covers all interior located
solid look at all aspects of the construction indus- systems/processes including introductions to
try,” Sasse said. plumbing, electrical, insulation, window/door
“People learn best through repetition. sets, flooring, drywall (hanging, finishing, textur-
Sometimes that repetition happens after failing at ing), trim, and some cabinetry content. Students
Platteville High School Construction the project, including foundation work, framing, a task. We’re giving them a low-cost environment learn about systems, then (and safety require-
Teacher, Jason Sasse and his students are wrap- roofing, electrical wiring, plumbing, and interior to “not get something perfect” so they can learn ments), participate in a lab giving them hands
ping up a two-year, full-size, residential house finishing such as drywall, floors, cabinetry, and from the mistake and not repeat it when the stakes on experience with materials, tools required, and
build project. trim. are higher. Part of that process means helping a general sense of time required for installation.
Ready for landscaping and a few finishing Note — Licensed contractors performed all students understand that they aren’t perfect, These labs are generally disassembled or dis-
touches, the 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home fea- wiring, plumbing, and HVAC. Students observed can struggle through tasks and re-work, and not carded after completion.
tures approximately 3,800 square feet of living and assisted when applicable. The owners con- get frustrated when someone needs to address Construction 3 and 4 (for returning stu-
space, modern finishes, and energy-efficient tracted out the roofing, drywall, foundation and quality issues. That experience is something that dents) is where we have done a full house build.
design. Over the past two school years, more than excavation work. applies to many future work environments, and The students do all framing (other than truss
40 high school students took on every phase of “This isn’t a small project or a model home many future employers will benefit from having setting) soffit/fascia, siding, window and exte-
rior door installations, interior door sets, hard
flooring, and most trim work. While electri-
Getting Students Prepared for Life After High School cians, plumbers, insulators, and drywallers are
on the site, students have had a chance to watch
Continued from Page 1 and help with the installation process of each
phase. While on site, all safety requirements are
plimentary tire pressure checks for senior connected to industry partners to ensure that observed and students are equipped with all PPE
citizens, and Thunder Manufacturing has our students are ready for the work force. This necessary for safe participation.
created small batch personalized products for includes an annual Career and Job Fair that Past projects also include:
local businesses. brings over fifty local businesses to the high
One of the special projects that is hap- school to share information about different • A 16' x16' pool house
pening this year is the building of a small careers and jobs with all of our high school • A 40' x 48' 4 van/4 12' x 12' storage bay
green house by our adaptive technology students, as well as students from neighbor- garage
education class. Funded by a Community ing communities. At the Fair, students have • Several sheds of various sizes
Impact grant from Harbor Freight Tools for the opportunity to ask questions about differ- • Did a demo and framed a new basement
Schools, students will work in partnership ent job opportunities, as well as the skills and space
with skilled community members to construct education needed for success in that job field. • Re-floored an entire house
a greenhouse that will then be used for life For many students, this experience is their first
skills training, job skills training, and science opportunity to interact with industry profes- “Overall, I think a student having the
lessons for years to come. sionals independently. experience of heading to a jobsite (even when
Excitement in the woodshop was palpa- In a community where technology educa- weather conditions aren’t perfect), having to
ble as students began work on the greenhouse tion and the trades are highly supported and accomplish steps in a process they don’t abso-
March 9th. Adaptive students are putting drills valued, Seymour Community School District lutely love, while enjoying the satisfaction of
to use as they build walls for their group’s own continues to seek out opportunities to continue taking a process through to completion is an
greenhouse. Freshmen Intro to Technology to provide students with relevant and engaging immensely beneficial journey we can give.”
students are learning how to read blueprints experiences in this critical content area and to says Sasse “Seeing the parts come together as
to help support the work. And beyond the ensure that their students graduate ready for a whole is key to the trades education process,
construction, students in the adaptive class life after high school! and that understanding is something we can’t
nities to grow and change. are learning that money earned through their easily “grade” but is invaluable to future trades
Outreach also plays an important role ThunderBrew coffee business will be impor- employers.”
in our program development. Staff members tant to buy seeds and soil once the greenhouse
have hosted afternoon and evening classes is built.
for community members to use the school In the evolving field of technology edu-
equipment to construct their own projects. cation, we continue to prioritize staying www.seymour.k12.wi.us platteville.k12.wi.us
The Thunder Service Center has hosted com-