Beneath the Hard Hat
C.D. Smith Company Blog

Fond du Lac ACE Academy Ice Shanty Project | Construction Education

Date: Dec 18, 2023 11:45:50 AM | Author: C.J. Smith
  • C.D. Smith Construction Building School Partnerships with ACE Shanty Raffle Poster for Construction and Skilled Trades Career and Technical Education
  • C.D. Smith Construction Building School Partnerships working on ACE Academy Ice Shanty for Construction and Skilled Trades Career and Technical Education
  • C.D. Smith Construction Building School Partnerships Fond du Lac High School Teacher with rep working on ACE Shanty Project for Construction and Skilled Trades Career and Technical Education
  • C.D. Smith Construction Building School Partnerships ice shanty project near completion for Construction and Skilled Trades Career and Technical Education
  • C.D. Smith Construction Building School Partnerships ACE Shanties Project ice shanty for raffle shown for Construction and Skilled Trades Career and Technical Education

The ACE Shanties Program is busy outfitting another stellar sturgeon shanty for the annual ACE Shanties Raffle, driving awareness and support for construction career pathways leading up to and during the Sturgeon Spectacular OFFICIAL – 2024 event.

ACE Shanty Raffle tickets are NOW ON SALE at Hopper's Silk Screening & All-Star Trophy, Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grille, Waucousta Food Mart, and B & B Express!

Here's a brief history of the ACE Shanties Program and its impacts:

It all started when the Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) Academy was created at Fond du Lac School District.

After the 2019 sturgeon spearing season, C.D. Smith offered the blueprints and the opportunity for students to expand on the skills taught in ACE Academy.

The ACE Shanties Program partnered with local businesses to provide students with a broad scope of technical skills and real-world experiences in skilled trades careers.

Fond du Lac High School students gained confidence by completing an entire project and building an ice shanty.

The ACE Shanty project was born and evolved from a combination of Career and Tech Education (CTE), K12 school partnerships and sturgeon spearing traditions.

Today, it’s part of a greater “Gives Back” initiative for supporting construction career pathways at local schools.

It continues to be an incredible opportunity for Fond du Lac High School's ACE Academy students to highlight their achievements while learning valuable skillsets for the skilled trades.

Purchase a ticket for your chance to win a brand new sturgeon shanty, support construction career pathways and spread awareness about the power of K12 school partnerships and programs like this.

Sincere thanks to all of the sponsors and supporters of the ACE Shanties program, including Bowe Metal Fabrication & Repair, Muza Sheet Metal Co., LLC., Omni Glass & Paint, Drexel Building Supply, Atlas Molded Products, a Division of Atlas Roofing Corporation, Shea Electric & Communications LLC, M. W. Tighe Roofing, Inc., Quest Flooring (Quest Interiors), Advanced Fastening Supply, Spies Painting, Inc., Block Iron & Supply and Foot of the Lake Fishing Club.

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe #CDSmithConstruction #CDSmithGivesBack #GivingBack #SturgeonSpectacular #LearningTheTrades #SkilledTrades #ACEShanties #ACEAcademy #Construction #ConstructionCareer #Wisconsin


Date: Dec. 18, 2023 | Author: C.J. Smith

«•»

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

C.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on FacebookC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on LinkedInC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on InstagramWebsite - Twitter - Icon-01C.D. Smith YouTube Videos Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Skilled Trades

Contact Us Get in Touch


Learn how THE Fond du Lac ACE Academy ACE SHANTy PROJECT WAS BORN.

After the 2019 sturgeon spearing season passed, a few C.D. Smith employees found themselves debating the best method for building an ice shanty and were struck by the similarities between an ice shanty and a conventional commercial building. This revelation morphed into the optimal opportunity to teach local high school students a variety of trades and construction skills construction and provide... (continue reading full blog post)... 

 

Find out more about our K-12 School Partnerships for Construction and skilled Trade Career Pathways.

K-12 Academic and Career Planning (ACP) is part of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) initiative of ensuring every child graduates with the tools necessary for making informed career decisions. C.D. Smith's School Partnership Program provides an inside peek and hands-on learning for K-12 students interested in careers in construction. We share in the DPI's vision of... (continue reading full blog post)...


 

We Build Careers!

C.D. Smith Construction offers a wide variety of growth opportunities in the trades. Start as a laborer and work your way into an apprenticeship program that best suits your interests and skills.

You can make a comfortable living and build your retirement while earning your education. Apprenticeships offer on the job training and are 100% paid!

BENEFITS

» Health Insurance
» Pension
» Paid Apprenticeship

 

REQUIREMENTS

» Valid Drivers License
» Age 18 or Older
» High School Diploma or GED

 

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

» Laborer
» Concrete Finisher
» Mason
» Carpenter
» Ironworker
» Operator

Click the 'We Build Careers!' button to request more information.

We Build Careers! Request more information

Recent Posts

«•» 

IN THE NEWS & Beneath the Hard Hat®

 

ACE Academy's Masonry Week Prepares Construction Students for Skilled Trades | Beneath the Hard Hat® 05.10.2023

00 CD Smith Construction mason teaches Fond du Lac high school student how to butter bricks at Masonry Week event-IMG_4127


 

Fond du Lac School District Receives 2022 Build Wisconsin Horizon Award

Fond du Lac School District received the 2022 Horizon Award for serving to enhance learning experiences with positive impacts on the horizon for Wisconsin's construction industry.

Bob Barker, Executive Vice President at AGC of Wisconsin, presented the Horizon Award at their Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 6th, saying, "We're taking Fond du Lac, quite honestly, to be our model (to take around) to all the high schools around the state."

Barker thanked industry supporters; skilled trades mentors; Bob Roehrig of County Materials Corporation; Vern Widmer, Building Construction Instructor at Fond du Lac High School; and everyone who developed and contributed to the ACE Academy program before introducing the Superintendent for Fond Du Lac Public School District, Dr. Jeffery Fleig, to accept the award.

"I'm very fortunate to have walked into an outstanding partnership with C.D. Smith Construction (and) J.F. Ahern, who have really blazed a trail along with AGC," said Dr. Jeffery Fleig.

He continued by recognizing Vern Widmer as an outstanding educator, "When Vern started in 2016, we had 35 students sign up. 181 this year."

The Horizon Award recognizes how an individual or organization promotes the construction industry, builds construction industry relationships, promotes future positive contributions to the industry and enhances the image of the industry.

 

Date: October 10, 2022 | Author: Tracy Lisowe


Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

C.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on FacebookC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on LinkedInC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on InstagramWebsite - Twitter - Icon-01C.D. Smith YouTube Videos Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Skilled Trades

Contact Us Get in Touch

«•»


 

FOND DU LAC ACE MASONRY WEEK 2022

C.D. Smith mason Mark Hau showing Fond du Lac High School students hands-on bricklaying techniques

This week (Sept. 19-22) is masonry week for students participating in Fond du Lac High School's Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) curriculum, also known as ACE Academy. As part of the ACE program, C.D. Smith masons Jim Burg and Mark Hau are spending time building masonry structures with students, laying bricks in a practice area equipt with all of the tools and materials needed to get their hands dirty. 

Fond du Lac Architecture Construction Engineering students working in a masonry construction practice are laying bricks

Along with spreading awareness about everything a construction career has to offer, hands-on education and mentorship are critical parts of shaping a promising future in the skilled trades for the next generation. Thank you to all of the academic and hands-on instructors and skilled tradespeople who're mentoring students in masonry construction and more. We appreciate you and the opportunity to be a part of unique, hands-on learning opportunities outside of classroom walls.

Fond du Lac Architecture Construction Engineering students working in a masonry construction practice are laying bricks

Date: Sep 22, 2022 | Author: Tracy Lisowe

«•»

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

C.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on FacebookC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on LinkedInC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on InstagramWebsite - Twitter - Icon-01C.D. Smith YouTube Videos Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Skilled Trades

Contact Us Get in Touch


 

FOND DU LAC ACE MASONRY WEEK 2021

C.D. Smith Construction Building School Partnerships for Construction and Skilled Trades Career Fond du Lac ACE Masonry Week

C.D. Smith Construction continues to stay firmly vested in educating and mentoring the next generation of construction workers in all trades. As part of the ACE program in the Fond du Lac School District, C.D. Smith masons Ken Hellmen and Jed Ermer spent the week installing brick facing on the exterior of the ACE storage building with the assistance of students and volunteers. Thanks Ken and Jed for all your work!

C.D. Smith Construction Building School Partnerships for Construction and Skilled Trades Career Fond du Lac ACE Masonry Week

Date: Sep 27, 2021 | Author: Molly Haack

«•»

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

C.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on FacebookC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on LinkedInC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on InstagramWebsite - Twitter - Icon-01C.D. Smith YouTube Videos Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Skilled Trades

Contact Us Get in Touch


About C.D. Smith

C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.

Visit www.cdsmith.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Contact Us


Beneath the Hard Hat®, our company press and blog, offers an intimate look at the people and stories that make C.D. Smith Construction. With the latest industry news and project updates, we share insights on the superior spaces we are safely delivering year-round. Our team of technical experts provides useful tips and topics to help plan your next commercial project.

Subscribe to Beneath the Hard Hat For news, insights and updates from our blog

---

TRADE PARTNERS & BIDS |If you're interested in working with us or would like to request adding your company to our bidder’s database, please complete our Trade Partners & Bids Form: Click Here.


 

 


 


Get in Touch

Corporate Headquarters
125 Camelot Drive
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Milwaukee Office
8325 W. Tower Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53223

Madison Office
316 West Washington Avenue
Suite 900 
Madison, WI 53703

La Crosse Office
333 Front Street North
Suite 701 
La Crosse, WI 54601

Ready to build community and get connected with commercial construction expertise? Use the below form to submit questions or request information. We look forward to learning more and discovering how we can make YOUR PROJECT. OUR PRIORITY.®.