<body><div>Students in Oskaloosa High School’s Construction Trades program are putting the final touches on this year’s house, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every phase of home construction under the guidance of instructor Dave Bower. “This is the stage I call the finishing touches,” Bower said. “We’re hanging interior doors, doing casing and base trim, installing cabinets—getting the inside wrapped up. Once the weather cooperates, we’ll move on to the siding and deck.” This year’s home features a covered deck and a fireplace, additions not included in previous builds. “We’re on a corner lot, so the covered deck will really add to the curb appeal,” Bower said. “And the fireplace—it just felt like the right fit. A couple of homes ago, we put one in, and it really brought the living room together.” Each year, students construct a full-size home, participating in nearly every aspect of the build, from framing to electrical work, plumbing, and finish carpentry. They complete more than 75% of the work themselves while collaborating with licensed professionals for specialized tasks such as gas line installation and high-end shower finishes. “They get to see and be involved in parts of the process that we don’t typically do ourselves,” Bower said. “This year, for example, our house foundation was delayed, so the students got to see firsthand how concrete work happens. When we have opportunities for them to experience aspects of the trade that are usually handled by contractors, we take it.” For many students, the program serves as a launchpad for careers in the skilled trades. Senior Maddox Ashman, who works on electrical wiring for the house, plans to enter an electrical apprenticeship after graduation, working toward his journeyman and master electrician certifications. “I’m working on light switches, outlets, lights—basically everything electrical in the house,” he said. “This project gives me a chance to learn the basics—what needs to go where for the light to turn on, how an outlet works. It’s hands-on learning, which is the best way to understand it.” Second-year Construction Trades student Lukas Toubekis, who has taken on leadership roles such as setting trusses and leading job assignments, plans to study construction engineering at Iowa State University. “The most enjoyable part is seeing the end result—what your work actually creates,” he said. “It’s kind of like being a foreman, but with a focus on how things are built, how much they cost, and all the little details that architects don’t always think about.” Student Jaden DeRonde values the hands-on experience of the program. “I enjoy it a lot—much more than my other classes,” he said. “It’s hands-on, and I’m a hands-on person.” Currently learning how to install cabinets, he has been involved in every stage of construction, from framing to roofing. After graduation, he plans to pursue a business degree before entering custom home construction. “I don’t have an exact location in mind yet, but I want to start nearby and see where it takes me,” DeRonde shared. For the first time, students also competed in a SkillsUSA construction competition and students brought home a Gold ranking. On April 11, students traveled to the Iowa State Fairgrounds to test their teamwork, safety, and construction skills in the TeamWorks competition. The team of four students will move on to the national competition in Georgia, this June. “The students were judged on organization, safety, teamwork, and construction skills,” Bower said. “I picked students with different strengths—some in framing, one with electrical experience, another with plumbing—so together, they have a well-rounded skill set.” Beyond competitions and construction skills, the program teaches problem-solving, time management, and responsibility. One student with an interest in HVAC took charge of installing a modern thermostat with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. “He took it upon himself to figure it out,” Bower said. “That’s what this program is all about—giving them the confidence to take on real projects.” Since the program’s inception, students have built homes across Oskaloosa, many of which remain with their original owners. “I can drive you to every house we’ve built,” Bower said. “What’s interesting is that people who buy them tend to stay in them. That tells me we’re doing something right.” Looking ahead, the program has secured a lot in the Fox Run neighborhood for next year’s build, as available lots in the Marje II addition have been completed. Bower is already thinking about how to make the next project an even greater learning experience for his students. “Our goal is always to give students as much hands-on experience as possible,” he said. “They’re not just learning construction—they’re building their future.” <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4Hnhra_10QWqgE900" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Hnhra_10QWqgE900" width="1024" height="768" ></figure></div></body>

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Students in Oskaloosa High School’s Construction Trades program are putting the final touches on this year’s house, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every phase of home construction under the guidance of instructor Dave Bower. “This is the stage I call the finishing touches,” Bower said. “We’re hanging interior...

Students Build Future Through Construction Trades Program

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Students in Oskaloosa High School’s Construction Trades program are putting the final touches on this year’s house, gaining hands-on experience in nearly e

Students Build Future Through Construction Trades Program

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