Building Lifelong Skills: Kearney High Takes Hands-on Learning to the Next Level
While many students participate in group projects during their academic careers, it’s safe to say Kearney High School’s Construction Tech course takes teamwork to a whole new level.
Under the supervision of Jeff Shield, department head for Industrial Technology at KHS, juniors and seniors in Kearney, NE, work together to build a home from the ground up during the school year. Whether or not they plan to pursue a career in construction technology, the hands-on learning experience fosters skills that last a lifetime.
“Within its carefully crafted structure, students don’t just learn to build houses; they build dreams, skills and futures,” explains KHS Principal Jeff Ganz. “Each wall raised becomes a stepping stone towards practical knowledge of construction but also instills qualities of teamwork, problem-solving and grit.”
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Boots on the Ground
Construction Tech is a capstone course for upperclassmen who previously completed wood fabrication and an advanced woods class. When students report for the school year, the home’s foundation has been laid, and the basement’s concrete floor has been poured.
“After a couple of days of safety training, we’re ready,” says instructor Jeff Shield. “Students are in school 170 days, and we’re probably on the job site 165 of those days.”
With boots on the ground, Shield continues, “We start with the sill plate that connects the wood structure of the house to the foundation.” From there, the students add bearing walls in the basement, set floor trusses and then begin framing walls on the main floor.
With the exception of a few specialty needs, including wiring, plumbing and cutting countertops, students are responsible for the entire build. Shield typically has 24-32 students split between two classes working a total of four hours a day to progress from concrete slab to move-in ready home.
While the end project is meticulously finished, Shield points out it’s a learning environment. “Some of the lessons aren’t out of a textbook,” he notes. “If you cut a sheet of lumber wrong, then that would be $70 out of your profit in a real-world setting.”
Sustainable Success
For Shield, the 2023/24 school year will be his 32nd home project and the 49th home completed since the program began. Over the years, Shield has gotten the process down to a science.
“I keep a log of what we do every day and the temperature, so I can look back over time to see if we’re on schedule. Usually, we’re within a day or two of where we need to be,” he explains, adding it’s important to have the home winterized before cold weather becomes an issue.
“I try to have the doors and windows in by about the third week of October,” Shield says. “My benchmark is to have all the drywall hanging by Christmas break.”
The second semester is dedicated to completing interior work and getting ready for a community open house in May. Shield notes two local realtors provide a fair market value for the home before it goes on the market.
The three-bedroom homes usually have 1700-1800 square feet finished on the main floor and a basement that is three-quarters finished. “We typically rough in two bedrooms in the basement,” Shield notes of the potential to double the size of the home and take it to five bedrooms or create work-from-home office space.
Annual proceeds from the home sale create a sustainable funding source. Shield explains the money raised covers land, lumber, tools, supplies and payment to specialty trades for the following year’s build.
Finding the Right Fit
Shield says Kearney High School’s career education model provides students the opportunity to sample different fields as they consider life after graduation. In addition to core academic courses, students select areas of interest for tailored career exploration.
“We’re trying to give the students the most opportunities to be successful and find a career path that fits their set of skills, abilities and interests,” says Shield. “Students enjoy doing this because it’s hands-on. They’re swinging a hammer, learning to use a skill saw and other construction equipment,” he adds.
“I see that there is a huge need for technically skilled students coming out of high school,” he continues, noting career training in construction and supportive fields can range from apprenticeships to degree programs at technical schools and four-year universities.
While only a percentage of his students ultimately pursue a construction career, everyone gains useful knowledge. “Whether you rent, buy or build, these are lifelong skills they take with them. They’re going to have a foot up on everyone else who doesn’t have these skills,” he points out.
Building Legacy
In the end, it’s a win/win for the students and the City of Kearney.
“We’ve got the support of the community and from our school and the school board. We couldn’t do this program without their support,” Shield states.
“It’s a unique thing for our community,” he adds. “I see the pride and joy it brings the students when we have the open house each year. It’s neat to see how they relate with the public.”
Shield occasionally runs into the people who purchased the second house project he led. “They’ve been there 30 years now, and they still tell me how much they love their house,” he says with a smile.
“The KHS Construction Tech house stands as more than just walls and beams – it’s a living testament to the power of education,” concludes Principal Ganz. “Mr. Shield does an incredible job with his program. He makes his school, his district and his community very proud!”
