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Construction trades, part of Spring Lake Park Schools Career and College Pathways program, is in its third year blending hands-on experience with real-world application for students. As the program continues to build structures, it’s also building community and futures.

With a thriving partnership between the program and local industry professionals, students are setting out to complete their largest project yet. In the coming months, they will finalize construction of a one-story, two-bedroom home that will soon become a permanent residence in the community.

Building up to the house

The Construction Trades course, part of the Spring Lake Park Schools Technology, Engineering, and Design Pathway, offers students the chance to dive into real-world projects while earning high school credit. Forty students are currently taking the course and applying the knowledge they've gained in the classroom to real construction projects.

Scott Wicklund, the lead teacher of the program, explained the evolution of the students' work this school year.

"The house we’re finishing now was started by last year’s group,” says Scott. “Starting off this school year, students learned the basics. They built smaller projects including dog houses, sheds, and hunting shacks to practice with their tools and techniques. It helped them grasp essential skills like measurements and safety. Now, with the foundation laid, we're moving into the big project - the house.”

Students will work alongside professionals from a range of trades, including plumbers, HVAC technicians, and electricians, to learn and implement the specialized skills needed to complete the home. Next up is insulating, sheetrocking, and finishing all the little things—fixtures, cabinets, and trim.

We’re hoping to have everything done by December. It’s a gutsy timeline, but this group of students is ready to make it happen. And we’ve got amazing community partners backing us up, and that makes all the difference. Scott Wicklund, program lead

Building camaraderie with BBQ

Before the students put their hard hats on to finish the house, they gathered for a BBQ in the school’s parking lot. They celebrated their progress and prepared for the work ahead.

“Having a meal together is powerful," says Scott. "It’s a great way to kick off the next phase of building and put all that learning into action. The students don’t feel like they’re in a classroom anymore. For them, this feels like a job, and I treat them like employees. They take pride in their work and really soak up everything."

Senior Trevor Kachina, who is serving as a teaching assistant for this year's course, echoed this sentiment. Having helped start the house last year, he's excited to see it through to completion.

"It’s really rewarding when I take a step back and see the process,” says Trevor. "When you finish a project and realize your work made it possible, it feels amazing.”

Trevor is set to join the Army National Guard after graduation, where he will put his construction skills to use helping build lighthouses and maintaining the Mississippi River. Down the road, he is interested in pursuing carpentry or HVAC.

Community support at the core

The success of the program extends beyond the students. It’s the partnerships with local professionals and the wider community that have helped the Construction Trades course thrive.

"I know a lot about building houses, but not everything," says Scott. "Having industry experts come in to teach and mentor the students is invaluable. The community has shown up in ways we never could have imagined. These kids are getting an experience that is so much more than just a class - it’s real life."

For junior Landon Ludke, the course is a chance to build on a lifetime of experience. Having been introduced to construction at a young age by his grandfather, he already has a deep appreciation for the trades and joined the course to expand his knowledge.

Ludke is particularly excited about learning new skills, such as siding. His family is currently in the process of building a house and is glad he’ll be able to lend his expertise to the project. After graduation, he plans to attend trade school or join a construction company. 

He also praised the community members who support the program.

"They are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable,” he said.

Senior Kylen Huberty, who admitted learning the variety of tools and their uses was initially challenging, now appreciates applying his learning outside of the classroom. He also likes the smaller, focused learning environment of the program.

"I’m not a big fan of crowds, so I like that it’s a smaller group here," says Kylen. "Working with likeminded people has been great. I’m not sure what I want to do after graduation yet, but this program is helping me figure that out."

Looking Ahead

Students are finishing the house for Elevate Hope House, a nonprofit organization that provides housing for mothers and children experiencing homelessness. Through this partnership, student could participate in building up to three homes over the coming years. This will provide invaluable experience for students in the course while helping meet critical housing needs in the community.

"This program has grown every year, and I see no signs of it slowing down,” says Scott. “Our students are ready to learn, and our community partners are eager to help. We’re not just teaching construction skills; we’re teaching life skills. That’s what makes this so special."

As the BBQ coals cooled and the equipment was prepped for the next phase of construction, the sense of purpose and excitement was palpable. These students are not only shaping the future of their community - they’re building it.