The value of practical skills

Harlem High School recognizes that in today’s rapidly evolving job market, students need practical skills to prepare for their futures. To achieve this, Harlem allows high school students to pick a pathway of interest—one which tailors their schedules to the classes that best support their chosen career. This approach provides students with an education that equips them for success after high school. A notable addition to Harlem High School’s pathway offerings is the newly revamped construction program, an integral part of the strong and stable Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technical Trades Pathway.

The construction program provides hands-on experience, teaches real-world skills, and opens doors to various career paths. By combining classroom education with on-site training, our construction program not only prepares students for work immediately after graduation but also instills discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are essential in any field.

High school construction programs fall under the umbrella of career and technical education (CTE). Our program offers students an introduction to the construction industry, including basic concepts, such as building design, blueprint reading, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and safety practices. Then, they take what they have learned into a workshop or construction site where they can put theory into practice through our Work Based Learning program. This program helps students find internships in their chosen field. In their internship, students work with a local construction company to support the skills learned in the classroom and to further develop them in the field.

Brett Polhill, owner and founder of BP Roofing Solutions, was the first to take on an intern from the construction program and, in fact, took two.

“I really love the enthusiasm and thirst to learn from the interns. They’re really excited to be there and we really need a new generation [of people] coming into the trades,” he said. “The construction program is great for kids who don’t desire college. I tried a year of college, and it just wasn’t for me. Instead, I came out and worked to make $80-100k a year instead of being in debt. Encouragement is valuable; kids need to know that college isn’t the only way to be successful. It’s about working a job you love and can be proud of.”

Upon completion of the program, students have the option to enter the workforce directly, armed with newly acquired skills that are in high demand in the construction industry. From residential to commercial construction, the opportunities for entry-level jobs in fields like carpentry, electrical work, roofing, plumbing, or masonry are plentiful. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is expected to grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

“The trades are a dying breed. Lots of kids used to learn from their parents and had a trade in school, and now they don’t get that experience. Our program gives them that and helps set them up for a job,” said Chris Zanoni, the construction teacher at Harlem High School. “The best part about what I do is seeing a kid step back and look at a project they just completed. That fire gets in their eye and they’re so proud. We want to keep that fire going so our graduation rate can help support the retirement rate in our local community.”

However, the value of Harlem’s construction program doesn’t stop with just a first job. It also serves as a springboard to further education. Our education structure is built around the feedback we have received from our community partners through advisory meetings and in conjunction with the standards of education and the expectations of our local colleges.

Support from companies and organizations such as Local 11, Local 23, BP Roofing Solutions, Schmeling Construction Company, Spider Company, Project First Rate, and Rock Valley College have been crucial in the development of our programs. Students interested in continuing their education after high school can pursue certifications, apprenticeships, or even college degrees in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture. This flexibility allows students to pursue a variety of pathways depending on their interests, whether that’s working on a construction site or managing large-scale building projects.

Although Harlem’s high school construction program is still in its infancy, we’re looking forward to working in collaboration with our local communities to enable students to take part in real-world projects that benefit the area. For example, students might help build homes for low-income families, repair community centers, or contribute to public infrastructure projects. These projects provide students with a sense of accomplishment and pride while making a tangible impact on their hometown.

Harlem’s construction program provides students with the tools they need to succeed in a dynamic and rewarding industry. By offering a blend of technical training and practical experience, the program equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a variety of careers in construction and beyond.

More than just a way to gain technical skills, Harlem’s Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology and Trades Pathway teaches valuable life lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. For students looking for a hands-on education that leads directly to a rewarding career, our construction program could be the perfect foundation for their future. For partners looking to help train the future workforce and grow their business—we’ve got some ready, willing, and eager bright young minds just waiting for you to open your doors up to them.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.