In Franklin, Wisconsin, a significant challenge looms - the acute need for construction workers. As reported by the National Association of Home Builders, the industry is set to demand over two million additional workers within the 2024 - 2026 period. This surge is driven by the retirement of the existing workforce and the escalating demand for housing. Franklin High School has taken a proactive approach to address this issue through an innovative advanced construction class, priming students for successful careers in the building trades.

Key Features and Benefits

Partnership with Franklin High School and Tim O’Brien Homes

This program is a remarkable collaboration between Franklin High School and Tim O’Brien Homes. It was initiated six years ago, laying the foundation for a fruitful partnership. Students have the unique opportunity to work side by side with professional home builders, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.For instance, Gracie Chojnacki and Miranda Gantner, two students in the class, are actively involved in building a home in a subdivision where properties sell for over half a million dollars. Chojnacki emphasizes, "I learn more from doing it. I can actually apply all the knowledge I acquire from this class." Gantner adds, "It's truly amazing as you'll be able to return years later and say, 'I helped build that home.'"

Open to Juniors and Seniors with Academic Requirements

The class is accessible to juniors and seniors who meet specific academic criteria. Through this, they gain comprehensive experience in all facets of construction, including electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry. This exposure helps them discover their true passion within the construction field.As construction teacher Andrew Mente explains, "When we start here in the first couple of weeks of school, it's just a bare lot. But by the end of winter, a family will be moving in. The students get to witness the entire process, from the initial foundation to the final finished product."

Experienced Contractors as Mentors

Forty experienced contractors from Tim O’Brien Homes work closely with the students, providing mentorship throughout the home-building process. Pete Lange, from Tim O’Brien Homes, highlights the significance of this program. He states, "The main constraint on our ability to grow and provide new homes is skilled labor. Working with high schools that have building trades programs allows students to directly join our job sites and learn from the trades."A former teacher himself, Lange enjoys mentoring the next generation of builders. He says, "Having the chance to assist young people in entering this field while they are still in high school is truly fulfilling for me."Chojnacki hopes that this experience will lead to a job before her high school graduation. She expresses, "I'm aiming to secure an apprenticeship through this."Thanks to a referendum passed by Franklin residents in November, this construction class will continue to thrive and receive updates and improvements to the Franklin School District.This initiative not only benefits the students but also has a positive impact on local construction companies and the industry as a whole. It is a shining example of how education and practical experience can combine to address a critical societal need.