Page 12 - TTMNSpring2026

Construction
Page 12 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Measuring Success In Homes, Futures

“We basically do everything needed to trucked to the site.
build a house besides a few things like electri- “What we’re doing is referred to as ‘stick
cal and plumbing,” says Owen. “From top to building’ says Scott. “But companies keep
bottom, we’re doing the work, and it’s been telling me to keep teaching how I’m teach-
pretty fun. Framing has been my favorite part ing because the skills are invaluable and will
because it’s really hands-on and focused.” transfer to any job site. Doing it this way slows
Senior Hannah Miller shares that same down the work and helps students really under-
enthusiasm. After stand the process. The
taking a welding basics matter and it’s
course, she knew “Even if I don’t end up in the working so we’re
this class would be a trades, I’ve learned skills that will going to continue.”
good fit. help in any job like working well Owen is looking
“I didn’t have with others, meeting deadlines toward a career in
any experience with welding, pipefitting
this type of learning and contributing to a good work or carpentry.
before, but I know I environment. . . . I’ll always carry “I always figured
like hands-on work those skills with me.” I’d go into welding,
which is why I —Senior Parker Sullivan but this course made
wanted to take this me realize there are
class,” she says. other trades I might be interested in,” he says.
Scott says safety remains the top priority. Hannah sees herself going into welding or
In three years, the worst injury has been a splin- mechanics after graduation.
Spring Lake Park Schools zation, and we want to do the best possible job ter. Safety is something he takes pride in. “I’m learning a lot that will prepare me for
“What’s your measurement?” calls Con- for them.” “To be successful in the trades, you have to either of those fields,” she says.
struction Trades teacher Scott Wicklund, his Before starting on the home, students be safe and dependable,” he says. “We go slow For Parker, it’s the community that makes
voice carrying across the high school parking tackled a warm-up project: building a garage in the beginning to build good habits, and that this program stand out.
lot turned construction site. Above him, a group to house materials. The shed protects supplies mindset sticks even when the pace picks up.” “I’ve made so many new friends,” he says.
of students pause to answer, tape measures in from the elements and has already improved Alongside technical skills, students also “The community this class brings is super fun.
hand and nail guns at the ready. Together, they efficiency on the job site. develop soft skills that make workers stand The teacher is great. The learning is great. It’s
work to finish the final wall of the two-story “With the garage, we can build more out: work ethic, reliability, communication and just a good environment to be in.”
house before winter weather moves in. structures and bigger, more complex struc- teamwork. Scott credits the program’s job-site
Despite the push to get the siding and the tures,” he says. After graduation, Parker plans to become approach for building not just skills, but rela-
roof completed before the weather turns, the For senior Parker Sullivan, that first either a plumber or a pilot. These are two very tionships and teamwork that will set students
atmosphere is anything but tense. There are project was eye-opening. different paths, but both strengthened by the up for success in their futures.
smiles, fist bumps and easy chatter as students “It’s super cool to start a project from skills he’s building. “The teamwork and time and energy it
learn by doing - building skills, confidence and nothing and see it turn into something,” says “Even if I don’t end up in the trades, I’ve takes to build these projects adds to the rapport
a house all at once. Parker. “At first it was just materials on the learned skills that will help in any job like among our students and creates community,”
Now in its third year, the Construction ground, and then two weeks later we had a fin- working well with others, meeting deadlines he says. “I don’t treat them like students; I
Trades program has hit its stride. With a sea- ished garage. It’s an amazing experience to be and contributing to a good work environment,” treat them like adults and that pays dividends
soned teacher, strong community and industry part of the build and see the end result.” says Parker. “I’ll always carry those skills with in the way they work together and the effort
partnerships and students eager to learn, the Building Skills and Confidence me.” they give towards these projects. I see this
program is laying a solid foundation for success Whether students go on to careers in con- approach work in the way this program has
in the trades. From the very first week, Construction struction or choose a different path, Scott sees grown and how students leave ready to tackle
“It’s fun because we’re literally building a Trades students learn by doing. Safety comes value in taking these courses. whatever they do next.”
program,” says Scott. “I like to say we’re build- first, and before long, they’re practicing with “For those going into the trades, they’ll
ing an airplane while flying, and it just works. nail guns and heading out to the job site to start have the skills and confidence to get to work
These kids are gaining real skills and the ability real construction work. right away,” he says. “And for those who don’t,
to walk onto a job site ready to succeed. Each “Teaching on the go is the way I want to they still gain practical life skills - how to make
year, we’re learning more. Improving more.” teach and the way I think these students learn basic repairs, ask smart questions or understand
best,” says Scott. “I want students to lose the what good work looks like.”
Building for a purpose fear of trying to build or fix things. Getting
This year’s build is more than just a hands- them on the site with tools in their hands and Building the Program’s Future
on project — it’s for a great cause. The program freedom to try is the best place to start.” Strong community and industry support
is partnering once again with Elevate Hope Parker enjoys the hands-on, fast-paced continues to drive the program’s growth.
House, an organization that provides housing learning that comes with being on the job site. Donated materials, visits from trades pro-
and support for women with children facing “A lot of what we’re learning is how to fessionals and real job site experiences all
homelessness or housing insecurity. Students use tools the right way and apply proper build- contribute to its success.
are learning essential technical and soft skills ing techniques,” he says. “Before this course, “There is so much support for what we’re
while helping create a home for those in need. I didn’t know what house wrap was called or doing because there’s clearly a need for good
Once complete, the new house will feature what the numbers on a speed square meant - people in the trades,” says Scott. “I feel like
five to six bedrooms, three to four bathrooms, now I do. Getting to apply what we learn in real we’re just scratching the surface of this pro-
and a full basement. This is the most ambitious time on real projects has been a different but gram’s potential.”
build yet. cool type of learning.” Keeping up with trends is also key.
“Last year’s house was a single level, For junior Owen Sayler, who took the Building a house from scratch in a parking
so we’re upping our game,” says Scott. “It’s Intro to Trades course last year, putting those lot – or even on a housing site - isn’t typical springlakeparkschools.org
working out well and we’re figuring it out as we skills into practice on the house build has been today. Many parts are built in factories and
go. Elevate Hope House is an awesome organi- a great way to take his learning to the next level.