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There was a buzz of excitement and pride as students, families and staff gathered for a BBQ in front of the brand new 2-bedroom, 2-bath house standing in the parking lot of Spring Lake Park High School. They were the first guests at the house the students just finished building. Students were sharing it with their families before it moves into the community to become a home.

More than 40 students in the Construction Trades course spent most of the school year learning construction trades through the hands-on experience of building a single-family house.

“This was such a great project for our students as well as our district and community,” says Scott Wicklund, Spring Lake Park High School teacher and project lead. “I’m proud of my students for their dedication to this year-long project and grateful to everyone, especially our partners during the build, for their support.”

While the lot and details for moving the house are in the final stages of planning, the students’ work is complete. The house is ready to be a home.

The building journey

The Construction Trades course was a new course this year at Spring Lake Park High School. It was designed based on student interest and industry needs and is part of the Technology, Engineering and Design Pathway at Spring Lake Park High School. It is one of three Career and College Pathways that help students explore different career paths as they gain high school and even college credit.

Students started the year in the classroom learning about safety, vocabulary, tool knowledge and basic tool measurements. Then they moved outside where they put that learning to work and dove into framing, putting up walls and trusses and completing roofing.

Inside, they tackled carpentry, trim work, insulation, painting and more. They also got to learn from the experts in the field who came in to help with the plumbing, HVAC and electrical.

“I wouldn’t say the students were experts when we left the shop to start building the house, but they learned through hands-on work and any roadblock or mistake was a learning moment for all of us,” says Scott. “There is always going to be a learning curve with a project like this and I believe you have to make mistakes in order to learn. Students really adapted to any situation that was thrown at them.”

House Tour

Preparation for the future

Senior student, Drew, enjoyed the hands-on and physical aspects of the course. What most surprised him was how much time and care goes into these types of projects.

“Every step of the project took careful planning and time,” says Drew. “I have a new appreciation for those in the field who work on these kinds of projects and the effort it takes to do it right.”

Drew plans to go to a two-year technical school for electrical after graduation. Taking this course helped him solidify his decision.

“Before taking this course, pursuing electrical was a small idea but now I know it’s what I want to do,” he says. “The skills and experience from this project will not only help me in school and in my career but will also help me when I become a homeowner one day.”

Senior Ernie enjoyed building the house as a team with the class and also learning from Mr. Wicklund. 

“He didn’t teach us in a way where we just had to memorize,” says Ernie. “He taught us in a way where we actually had to do the things we were taught and apply our learning.”

Ernie plans to go into carpentry after graduation. Like Drew, the small idea of going into this field was cemented because of this project.

“This project made me realize I am good at carpentry, and I do want to do it for a career,” he said.

For Scott, the goal of the course wasn’t to turn each student into a builder. He wanted to introduce them to the process, give them a better understanding of what it takes to get a finished product and give them the tools and experience to help them as they look ahead to what’s next.

Maybe they’ll take what they’ve learned and pursue a career or maybe they are able to apply some of the learning when they own a house or business someday. Regardless, I think this project helped them discover their likes and dislikes and gave them more knowledge and experience for their futures. Scott Wicklund, SLPHS teacher, project lead

Projects beyond the house

Students wrapped up the project earlier than anticipated, giving them the opportunity to build smaller projects. From a garden shed to chicken coops, students got to apply their learning and continue building their skills on real projects.

“Students are really driving these projects and it has been cool to watch them revisit what they’ve learned and continue honing their skills,” says Scott.

Drew and Ernie are considering starting a business together building chicken coops this summer.

“We now have the knowledge and skill, and we know there is a want in the community,” says Drew. “With the sale of eggs going up, people are buying chickens and need chicken coops so this would be a good business to start.”

Made possible with partners

This project was made possible because of partners. Jeremy LaBeau of Installed Building Solutions and Bellepar Homes and the Installed Building Products Foundation as well as many individuals and businesses who provided financial support, time and supplies.

“We had a terrific experience because of our community of partners who were involved,” says Eric Van Brocklin, Career Pathways Lead. “We felt the support and know it was a team effort from everyone involved. I hope students drive by the house someday and reflect on their experience and the important part they played in building a house that will live in our community for a long time to come.”

The team shares special thanks with these partners:

• Bellepar Homes
• Installed Building Solutions
• Installed Building Products
• Jerco Construction – Jeremy Flaten
• Peterson Companies
• Dakota County Lumber Company 
• Mid Minnesota Storage
• Heather and Chase Daas
• Zawadski Homes
• Carpentry Contractors Company
• Paul Landwehr-retired instructor ISD 917
• Intermediate School District 917 

The chance for students to build a house will continue next school year.

“We are looking into options of what next year will entail in terms of housing partnerships, but we know we will continue to offer this great opportunity,” says Eric. “It really benefits everyone involved.”

There are many opportunities for community and industry partners to get involved in the house project or in any of our Career and College Pathways. Find ways to get involved on our Career and College Readiness webpage or reach out to Eric Van Brocklin.