Marathon High School Construction Trades Class to Close the Skilled Labor Gap

Marathon High School Technology Education Teacher John Vanderwyst leads classes covering automation, robotics, manufacturing, engineering and woodworking. As an educator in the technology and manufacturing field, Vanderwyst is aware that Wisconsin is facing a shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing industry. Recently the Marathon School Board approved a proposal for a new Construction Trades course to begin in the fall semester of 2017. This course is designed to help close the skilled labor gap by giving students hands-on experience and helping them learn about career opportunities in the manufacturing and construction industry. Marathon High School has already partnered with local companies including County Materials Corporation, Hurtis Heating & Air, Marathon Plumbing Service, and the Central Wisconsin Contractors Association. Vanderwyst is still looking for additional electrical and carpentry partners.

In preparation for the new Construction Trades course, County Materials hosted a tour of their corporate office and production facility in Marathon City for two dozen students from Marathon High School’s woodworking class. This opportunity introduced current juniors and seniors to the manufacturing industry before the new Construction Trades course begins. Students visited County Materials’ dispatch center that manages a fleet of professional drivers, quality control lab for testing aggregates and concrete, ready-mix production facility, and concrete block manufacturing plant. In each area, students asked questions and learned about the large number and diversity of jobs available to graduates.

Vanderwyst was thankful for the opportunity and happy students were able to learn more about the locally-owned company that is celebrating 70 years in business in 2016. “I am always thankful for opportunities to tour local facilities like the one County Materials provided because it shows students that success is all around Marathon City. Students do not have to travel far after high school to find fulfilling careers with upward mobility,” said Vanderwyst. “By connecting the school with local business and industry, we can attract students to stay or return to our community. Marathon has small town connections and a booming economy; the more students can see that the better Marathon is able to ensure its future.”

Students shared many positive comments about their hands-on learning experience outside of the classroom. Several were impressed by the scale of the company’s operation just down the road from their classroom. “I never thought County Materials had that many machines and big pieces of equipment,” one student said. Another student commented, “The sheer amount of concrete they produce is impressive.” Other students focused on a different facet important to the manufacturing process, “The safety sensor features we were shown were pretty cool.”