Page 14 - TTWISpring2026

Construction Trades
Page 14 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity — Youth Build Program

design, and home sales. Through the expe- the Youth Build continues to be an incredible
rience and knowledge I gained from Youth experience for our team. What makes it espe-
Build, I was able to land an internship with a cially meaningful is seeing students gain real,
local construction and realty company, which hands-on experience that connects directly to
perfectly combines construction and real estate. life skills and future career opportunities.
I am now also a licensed real estate agent, and Through the Youth Build program, stu-
this program played a big role in helping me dents are able to physically participate in as
understand homes from the ground up.” much of the homebuilding process as possible.
Our contractors also shared how meaning- When it came to roofing, we created a full
ful it was to work alongside the Menasha High mock roof system on the ground so students
School students this year. The students learned could safely experience the entire process from
so many aspects of the trades—from watch- start to finish. They installed materials, worked
ing trusses go up, to raising walls, installing with real tools, and problem solved real world
windows, roofing, drywall, electrical work, and scenarios just like our crews do in the field.
more. Contractors spoke with pride about the Many students didn’t realize how in-
students’ willingness to learn, try new things, depth roofing truly is. They were surprised by
and grow with every step of the build. the technology and specialized tools used in
Cameron Taylor, Construction Coordinator, today’s industry. We explained how we contin-
shared: ually improve our processes to make the work
“As a representative of Portside Builders, safer, faster, and more efficient. Their engage-
Nadine Janik equipment operators, and carpenters. I can’t the projects we can help sponsor bring much ment was incredible—every student put their
Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity thank Habitat and all involved enough for their joy and growth to our communities. The Youth best foot forward.
This experience tied directly into their
Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for time and commitment to creating a positive Build Program is another inspiration to Port- Shop class curriculum, making the learning
Humanity is proud to celebrate a successful experience for our kids here at Menasha High side Builders as we continue to build the future even more impactful. Several students shared
year with our Youth Build Program. We are School. I hope that our experience this year can of the construction trades in Wisconsin. It was that the hands-on exposure helped clarify
especially thankful for our continued partner- be a steppingstone for the future of Youth Build my pleasure to be a part of this opportunity.” which trades they’re most interested in pursu-
ship with Menasha High School for the 2025 not only in our area, but throughout the State of Mike Ebben, Co-Owner of a local roofing ing. Approximately one third of the students
Youth Build. Wisconsin, as it provides such a unique oppor- company, shared:
Under the leadership of Technical Educa- tunity to help foster the growth of our youth. “Partnering with Habitat for Humanity for
tion Instructor Bryan Arnold, Menasha High Thank you again to all involved.” Continued on Page 15
School students worked incredibly hard and One of the Menasha High School students,
demonstrated exceptional dedication through- Emma, shared:
out the build. “This year’s Youth Build experience gave
The students gained valuable hands-on me a deeper understanding of the trades and
construction experience, built confidence, and the teamwork required to bring a home to life.
experienced a deep sense of purpose while Being on site allowed me to learn how each
contributing to a safe, affordable home for a phase of construction connects—from reading
local family. Students worked side by side with blueprints to framing and exterior work. It was
contractors, senior crew volunteers, Habitat powerful to see how planning, communica-
construction supervisors and staff, industry tion, and hands-on skill all come together to
professionals, and the partner family—an create something lasting. Knowing that our
experience that truly brings learning to life! work would eventually become a home for a
Bryan Arnold shared: family made every task feel more meaningful
“This year’s Youth Build has been an and rewarding.
amazing experience for all who have been The trades education I gained through
involved. Each day the students are on site, I Youth Build also gave me a new apprecia-
have seen a growing confidence in their skills tion for the level of detail, craftsmanship, and
and abilities. There were many learning oppor- problem solving involved in construction. I
tunities with companies around the area who learned how important precision and layout
donated their time and labor to make our stu- are, especially when it comes to siding and
dents’ experience positive. Whether it be the structural work, and how even small details
countless volunteers who worked alongside can make a big difference in the quality of a
and mentored the students each day, or the busi- home. Working alongside experienced build-
nesses that took the time to meet our students, ers and the Senior Crew allowed me to learn
Habitat went above and beyond in supporting techniques, safety practices, and real-world
our students’ learning—and mine as well. skills that you can’t fully understand in a class-
I was able to witness these students room. This experience gave me confidence in
grow and learn in a real-life atmosphere that my abilities and a stronger understanding of
taught them so much more than how to build what goes into building quality homes. Learn-
a home. The teamwork, dedication, and posi- ing the process from the ground up has been
tive attitudes they brought to the job site every invaluable and will continue to influence how I
day—even during hot, cold, or rainy weather— approach my future in housing.
made me proud to be their teacher. While I haven’t always planned on
We have several students who are now working directly in construction, I’ve had a
interested in pursuing careers as electricians, long-standing interest in architecture, interior