Public invited to meet Tech Center students, tour student-built home
Second-year Construction Trades student Skylar Wezell (Oakridge) hangs drywall in the main floor bath.
MUSKEGON, MI – The community is invited to join Construction Trades students and staff from the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center (MACTC) for an open house at 2558 Chestnut Trail, Thursday, June 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. This home is the twelfth home in the Chestnut Trail neighborhood built by Construction Trades students. Previous years’ homes will be marked by blue yard signs during the event.
The home this year is 2,144 square feet. This house, as well as those previously built, has been built to EnergyStar standards. It features low-flow plumbing, a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, spray foam insulation, and has basement walls constructed with insulated concrete forms for more comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient living. Other features of the open format home include long-lasting LED lighting, nine foot ceilings, hardwood floors, solid surface countertops, three bedrooms, three baths, a den, a deck with access off the master bedroom and the kitchen, partially finished basement, and a two-stall garage.
“Every day is hands-on and you feel like you accomplish something,” said Construction Trades student Jett Young (Reeths-Puffer) when asked what he likes best about the program.
“This class has taught me that hard work really does pay off,” shared Construction Trades student Laben Beckly (Whitehall).
Several former Construction Trades students, who now work in the industry, returned to help again this year. Geoff Newmyer of Newmyer Plumbing visited to assist students with plumbing the home. When it was time for drywall, Eric Shafer of Elzinga & Volkers spent time sharing pointers on drywall finishing with students. Once the drywall was complete, 2017 graduate Kenneth Vandersteldt (now employed by painting contractor Creations by Brian) helped direct students on proper painting techniques.
Students from the Electrical/Computer Technologies program also worked alongside Construction Trades students. These students assisted with running low-voltage wires and installing structured cabling for internet, cable, and phone services.
The construction industry in West Michigan is booming! High school students interested in a career in construction may learn more about the program by visiting the Construction Trades page. Eighth graders can explore careers in construction too during Eighth Career Camp, June 17 to 20, 2019. Enroll at summercareercamp.org.