For the Tomahawk Leader
TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk High School Building Trades students have been gaining insight into the construction industry through hands-on experience, all while developing a sense of community pride.
Masonry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, millwright, insulation, ironworking, heavy equipment operation, painting, and roofing are among the careers students have the opportunity to explore through the course.
“Some of the hands-on learning activities that the students have completed to date this school year include excavation, pouring concrete, floor framing, wall framing, truss/rafter engineering and construction, roofing, and siding of a building,” said technology education teacher Andy Peissig. “Throughout the spring, students will also get hands-on training in painting and electrical wiring of a building.”
Peissig noted that, along with gaining the skills to be employed in the trades, students are also learning how their new knowledge and skills can improve a community, a person’s quality of life and the economy.
“For several years, the students in Building Trades have been constructing two of the Tomahawk Main Street sitting/flower benches each year,” he noted. “This is a great project for students to show off the skills they have attained while developing a sense of pride in their community.”
The courses are made available partially by donations and support from local businesses, including Tomahawk Builders Supply, Evans Concrete Construction, and Louisiana Pacific.
“Their donations of materials, equipment, and expertise are essential to the success of the program,” Peissig said. “The Tomahawk Technology Education Department appreciates their partnerships and would like to thank Evan Koshak, Aaron Evans, Nic Jensen, and Brett Weinen for facilitating and supporting the learning of these essential careers in our community.”