Page 12 - TTWISpring2026

Construction Trades
Page 12 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Hamilton Hosts Industries in Schools Tour Connecting Students

With Local Professionals

ness community a firsthand look at how
schools like Hamilton are preparing students
for the future,” comments Waukesha County
Business Alliance Vice President of Talent &
Workforce Jerry Pettigrew. “By connecting
business leaders with educators and students,
we can better align classroom learning with the
skills employers truly need. It was inspiring to
see the career pathways Hamilton has built in
the trades, business, IT and more. The hands-
on experiences they offer are helping students
explore meaningful careers that will support
our business community.”
Community Programs Manager for a man-
ufacturer of generators, Kelly Skindzelewski,
says the visit to HHS offered an eye-opening things our Career and Technical Education
look at the school’s strong academic programs teachers do each day for our students. It goes
and impressive educators. “It was clear how beyond just content, our teachers are setting
closely the curriculum aligns with real-world students up for success in the future. I want
Hamilton School District conducted in partnership with the Waukesha business needs,” Skindzelewski noted. “As to thank our visitors for taking the time to
Dozens of business leaders from local County Business Alliance. we prepare to establish operations in Sussex, come in and learn all about what we offer
manufacturing and construction companies “When our business partners saw our we’re optimistic about the potential opportuni- and how we can best support kids and the
visited Hamilton High School (HHS) March teachers teaching and heard directly from ties to partner with the district.” future of our community.”
11 to tour Applied Engineering and Technol- one of our senior students, it reinforced what “This was such a great event,” shares
ogy (AET) labs and business classrooms. The makes our school special; passionate students, Hamilton High School Associate Princi-
event connects students and staff with indus- dedicated teachers and incredible opportuni- pal and Extended Learning Coordinator
try professionals to strengthen community ties,” shares Hamilton High School Business Marquea Goike. “I really appreciated having www.hamilton.k12.wi.us
relationships. Industries in Schools Tours are Education Teacher Sheila Frafjord. the opportunity to show off the amazing
“Industries in Schools gives the busi-

Hamilton Students Build Ultimate Doghouse for NARI NextGen

Trades Challenge

apply what they’ve learned in the classroom
to a real-world project,” shared Hamilton High
School Applied Engineering and Technology
Teacher Alan Mamerow. “They took pride
in their work and gained confidence in their
skills, exactly what hands-on education is all
about.”
Hamilton students have been fully
immersed in the construction process; plan-
ning, measuring, cutting, assembling and
finishing a doghouse designed to be both
functional and eye-catching. The project was
featured within an interactive “Backyard Build
Off” area at the NARI Milwaukee Spring
Home Improvement Show, where attendees
could see the students’ craftsmanship up close. to get hands-on experience and participate in
“We are incredibly proud of our Applied a project from start to finish,” said NextGen
Engineering and Technology Program at Ham- Trades Challenge Advisor Tom Gies. “They
ilton,” Mamerow explained. “Taking part in follow all the same steps as a professional con-
this challenge is an opportunity for our students struction project, from preparing drawings to
to share their talents with a larger audience.”
Hamilton School District The NextGen Trades Challenge is Hamilton was one of ten local high creating a construction schedule to working
Hamilton High School students put their designed to provide real world trades-related schools taking part in the NextGen Trades together as a team to complete the project on
construction skills to the test by creating the projects and create connections between stu- Challenge. Students at each school tackled time.”
ultimate doghouse as part of the NextGen dents, schools and NARI Milwaukee member individual elements of the backyard and were
Trades Challenge, hosted by the NARI Mil- contractors. The goal is to inspire the next assigned different projects such as an ultimate
waukee Foundation. The completed project generation to consider careers in the trades doghouse, a play set, a ninja cave and an entire
was on display during the NARI Milwaukee industry. outdoor activity zone. www.hamilton.k12.wi.us
Spring Home Improvement Show in February. “The challenge allows our students to “The challenge is a great way for students