The Next Generation of the Industry

As a 5-year-old, Emmett and his brothers would build tree forts, imitating the work they saw being done on their new home being built. But it was when he took a construction trades class in high school that he got the chance to experience the thrill of building. “I am very passionate about construction and will continue that drive.” He hopes to own and operate his own construction business by the time he’s 28 years old.

Willard got hooked on construction when his family remodeled their home. As he started to consider a career, he knew he wanted to be outside, have a variety of work, and have the possibility to work for himself; in fact, he plans to own and manage his own business, including a cabinet shop. “I have no doubt that Willard will make a successful career in carpentry,” said one of his high school instructors.

Between taking PLTW Construction Trades courses and talking with a cousin in the industry, Dalton was able to “…realize what I want to be in life. The diligence and pleasure I can gain from working with my mind and hands will always be the greatest thing I could do for myself.” With this determination and passion, he hopes to one day own a construction business.

For his community service project to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, Jack led a small crew to build a 100-foot paver sidewalk with stairs for a church transitional home. He’s spent several summers working for his family stucco company and aspires to one day be the owner. As stated by a former Scout leader in one of his letters of recommendation, “[by investing] in Jack’s education, the quality of Minnesota housing will benefit.”

A two-time State Fair Blue Ribbon winner in woodworking, Nathan wants to purchase land and build his own home. In his personal essay, he said that “A ‘home’ is where people make and accomplish their dreams. I want to help people accomplish them by building homes . . . where they can have a place to start their dreams.” When not attending school, Nathan runs his own woodworking shop business.

When not participating in school sports, being a member of his city’s volunteer fire department, or spending time building habitat houses for the local DNR, Ryan has developed an interest in the trades by working part time for a local homebuilding contractor. “I will be the first in my family to pursue the trades . . . and plan to work toward becoming a master electrician.”

 “If I were looking for a young, skilled, ambitious, and dependable person to add to my team, Tanner would be a great fit,” said one of Tanner’s former instructors. A member of the National Honor Society, Tanner developed his strong work ethic by working on his grandparent’s farm. As an electrician, he hopes to be able to give back to his community by working on projects for those in need.

It started with a coffee table in one of her woodworking classes at her high school. It was then Delanie knew she wanted to build things with her hands. “I absolutely fell in love with building things . . . and the pure joy of seeing the end results.” Her postgraduate plans include finding employment at a great home building company and to one day own a homebuilding/interior design business.

An active member of his community, Nicolas was an honor roll student at his high school and is part of the Honors Program and Presidents List in college. “My goal is to create electrical systems that complement people, make their lives easier, and make their homes more functional.” Described by others as being self-motivated, passionate, and dedicated, Nicolas hopes to become a master electrician so he “will have an even greater impact on the housing industry in my area.”

The homebuilding industry runs deep in Mason’s family with both of his grandfathers working in the trades—one as a contractor, while the other worked in concrete. His stepfather has taught him a lot by having him help hang sheetrock and do electrical work, just to name a few experiences. “For the longest time I wanted to grow up and be like them, and with the career I have chosen, I believe I can fulfill that dream.”

An honor roll student, Ethan has always enjoyed math and economics classes, but he has especially enjoyed his shop classes. Active in sports and his church, he has spent time volunteering at a local organization doing outdoor maintenance. Ethan has also spent the last couple of summers working at a local construction company. “To me, there is no better feeling than when I finish a project and see the look of excitement in the customer’s face.”

A trip to his birth country at 12 years old with his adopted mother had a huge impact on Joshua’s life. After seeing families living in poverty and learning that children could not read or write, he decided he would obtain a construction electrician degree and return one day to build them a school. One of his recommendation letters shared that “Joshua is committed to creating a successful future for himself . . . and he is driven to achieve.”

While growing up on his grandparents’ farm, Noah had many opportunities to learn to shingle, build corrals, painting, insulating, sheetrocking, and taping. “When I was little, I loved to put together little birdhouses, and as I have grown older, I have continued my love for building.” As a high school student, Noah has participated twice in building homes over the course of the year as part of a class.

Ten years ago, when Olivia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in software engineering, she never thought she would return to school to learn carpentry. After returning from a weeklong timber frame building class, she immediately applied to the carpentry program. “I have never been ‘handy’ . . . but I learned [from being in class] that this is what I was meant to do—create. And I love every second of it.”

Cindy’s interest in the construction industry started after joining her dad at a volunteer project with Habitat for Humanity. “I saw the kind of change I could do with more construction experience, driving me to pursue a career in construction with plans to help even more people.” She hopes with her education, she will be able to visit her native country of Ghana and help construct affordable residential projects to alleviate the overwhelming homelessness there.