Fox Valley Technical College officially cuts the ribbon on its new Construction Training Center in Oshkosh on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Students at Fox Valley Technical College are learning what it takes to build up America one piece at a time.
The college’s latest addition is its new $1.4M Construction Training Center, giving 16 students the room to work together at a mock job site.
“Our idea here is to provide an environment where the student understands how a building goes together, they understand what the trade worker goes through,” said Rich Cass, FVTC Manufacturing, Agriculture & Construction Technologies Department Chair.
At this new facility, students in the Construction Management Technology program at Fox Valley Tech are getting hands-on learning experiences by constructing structures to prepare them for their careers.
“Being able to read what’s on paper and translate that into reality and knowing that it’s not going to be perfect but you have to make it perfect. That’s where I really enjoy the challenge,” said FVTC student Colin Weber.
“We’re actually taking vision into execution. Like, I’ve done concrete before, but I’ve never done a deck. So, working with the deck was a new thing. Same with the flashing around the building,” said student Manny Muniz. “A lot of delicate work that I’ve never done, it was nice to experience and actually see how it’s supposed to look.”
This new facility is also preparing students with shifting trends, such as off-site construction work.
“Where you build a building in a building, put it on a truck and send it somewhere and put it together. It’s faster, it’s safer,” said Ben Bruns, Vice President of Boldt’s modular team.
The college’s latest addition comes as construction jobs are in demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction management profession is projected to grow by 9% between 2023 and 2033.
With an aging workforce, construction company Boldt is seeing that need.
“We have people that are retiring faster than we have people coming into the industry. So, with the education that the tech provides to be able to help students get careers in the trades and support careers in the trades, that’s really significant,” said Bruns.
Students like Weber, who has an interest in project management, are ready to fill those shoes.
“That’s where we have to step up and fill the void,” said Weber.
The Construction Training Center was funded in part by several donations.
The college broke ground on the project in September of last year.
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