A house is being built in the parking lot of Spring Lake Park High School, thanks to more than 40 students enrolled in the school’s new Construction Trades course. Led by high school teacher Scott Wicklund, these students gain hands-on experience by spending a few hours each day learning real-world skills in construction. By next spring, the students will have completed a one-level, two-bedroom house, which will then be moved into the community as a permanent home. Additionally, they are constructing a shed for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV).

This year-long project not only exposes students to various trades but also teaches them construction safety. Through on-site work, tours, and lessons from local business experts, the course aims to spark an interest in potential career paths for students after graduation.

The Construction Trades course is part of Spring Lake Park High School’s Technology, Engineering, and Design Pathway, one of three Career and College Pathways offered to help students explore different career options while earning high school and college credit. The project has partnered with MACV, Lennar Housing, and the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, offering students unique opportunities for real-world learning that will set them apart after graduation.

“These kids will be leaps and bounds ahead of others who might want to go into these fields, just because of the exposure they’ll gain from this project,” says Eric Van Brocklin, Career Pathways Lead. “They’ll have a sense of pride from their work and the confidence to walk onto any job site in the future.”

Even if students don’t pursue a career in the trades, Wicklund says they’ll leave the course with valuable skills they can use as future homeowners. The initiative offers a rare blend of practical experience and career exploration, helping students build both homes and their futures.