In an initiative that bridges education and industry, local high school students are stepping onto the dynamic construction site of Foundry on 3rd.
Stevens Construction and T. Wall Enterprises are hosting D.C. Everest tech ed students on Wednesday, April 30, which coincides with National Apprenticeship Day. This nationally recognized day showcases the importance of apprenticeship programs in providing training and careers in skilled trades.
The tour begins at 1 p.m. at the Stevens Construction job site trailer, where students get personal protective equipment (PPE).
Previously, the Wausau West Engineering and Technology class explored the construction site on April 16. The hands-on tour allowed the students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, enhancing their understanding of potential career paths in construction and, more specifically, opportunities available in the Wausau area.
Theran Peterson, tech ed teacher at Wausau West, said several of his students are interested in civil engineering, construction management and the building trades. “This was the first construction site tour for the group, and they asked very insightful questions while staying highly engaged throughout the tour,” he said.
“The individuals from Stevens Construction and T. Wall Enterprises were spectacular hosts,” Peterson said. “They explained not only the construction process but also the process of acquiring the site, demolition of the mall, the design process and the future vision of the surrounding area.”
Hard-hat tours like this one significantly inspire young people to consider construction careers. Construction projects require skilled architects, engineers, project managers and various tradespeople like electricians, plumbers and carpenters.
Stevens Construction recognizes the value of on-site tours, especially with the growing demand for tradespeople today. “We enjoy providing tours that allow students to witness the complexities of construction,” said Derek Rinabarger, project executive for Stevens Construction. “Our hope is that they’ll gain an appreciation for this work and consider it for themselves.”
Based in Madison, Stevens Construction is one of the largest general contractors in the Upper Midwest. It specializes in multifamily and mixed-use buildings. It is currently leading the construction of the Foundry on 3rd, which opens in November.
For more information about a tour of Foundry on 3rd, contact Derek Rinabarger at 608-222-5100 or drinabarger@stevensconstruction.com.
