Beneath the Hard Hat
C.D. Smith Company Blog

Building the Future with the Next Generation in Construction Trades

Date: Jan 20, 2025 12:07:18 PM | Author: Tracy Lisowe

Construction Inspiration and Education

Hands-On Learning: The ACE Shanty Project

Every great career begins with inspiration and opportunity. For Fond du Lac High School students exploring tech ed, that journey often starts with the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Academy.

Fond du Lac High School ACE Academy Students Instructor and Superintendent with Horizon Award as reported by CD Smith Construction

ACE Academy is in the midst of an exciting initiative: the ACE Shanty Raffle. The ACE Academy Ice Shanty project began as a platform for high school students to gain practical experience by constructing ice fishing shanties. Students develop critical skills by completing entire projects, mastering teamwork and problem-solving, and experiencing the profound satisfaction of creating something tangible.

Resulting ACE Shanties project on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac Wisconsin for Construction and Skilled Trades Career and Technical Education Shanty Raffle

Over the years, the ACE Shanties Program has evolved into a community-driven effort to promote construction education. By purchasing a $10 raffle ticket, supporters get a chance to win a custom-built ice shanty and directly contribute to programs that provide students with technical skills and real-world experience. It's about more than constructing a functional structure—it's about building pathways to future careers.

2024 Skilled Trades Construction Grants

As students demonstrate their skills and passion, community partners step in to support next steps. In partnership with Fond du Lac Area Foundation in 2024, C.D. Smith offered two types of grants for students pursuing careers in construction: The Skilled Trades Construction Grant and the Construction Management Grant.

C.D. Smith Construction leaders pose for picture with Construction Grant recipients at Corporate Office in Fond du Lac Wisconsin

Top: Connie Coon, Holly Brenner, Greg Sabel  /  Middle: Austin Loehr, Lukas Halbach, Dave Supple  /  Bottom: John Kowalski, Callie Woelfel, Grace Fowler (not pictured, Jackson Goldapske & Mason Forster)

Numerous applications were received from talented and ambitious students who aspire to make their mark in the construction industry. Three graduating high school seniors were selected for the Skilled Trades Construction Grant and three individuals pursuing technical or undergraduate degrees for the Construction Management Grant.

The skilled trades grant winners are awarded funds for eligible expenses such as hand tools, work boots, high-visibility clothing, safety gloves, and tool belts/tool storage. The construction management grant winners are awarded funds directly to their four-year or two-year school.

Celebrating the 2024 Grant Winners

Construction Management Grant Recipients:

  • Austin Loehr (Fox Valley Technical College)
  • John Kowalski (Milwaukee School of Engineering)
  • Callie Woelfel (Marian University).
Skilled Trades Grant Recipients:
  • Lukas Halbach (New Holstein High School)
  • Jackson Goldapske (North Fond du Lac High School)
  • Mason Forster (Fond du Lac High School).

Why Skilled Trades Matter

Kiel High School Tech Ed Class observes concrete pour onsite in school with CD Smith Construction superintendent and laborer

The skilled trades are an essential yet underexplored career path for many young people. Programs like these grants and the ACE Academy Ice Shanty project shine a light on opportunities available in construction:

  • Hands-On Learning Experiences
  • Career Readiness through Early Training
  • Competitive Wages with Immediate Opportunities
  • Community Impact: Building Critical Infrastructure

Get Involved

CD Smith Construction tradespeople in masonry practice area for hands-on teaching at Bricklayer 500 in Fond du Lac Wisconsin

Whether you're a student considering your future or someone passionate about supporting construction education, there are plenty of ways to get involved:

  1. Encourage Young People: Share stories about the potential fulfillment of construction careers.
  2. Support Initiatives and Training Programs: Buy an ACE Shanty Raffle ticket or contribute to programs that promote skilled trades education.
  3. Celebrate Success: Recognize and share the achievements of emerging professionals and young people pursuing careers in construction.

By investing in the next generation of skilled trades and construction professionals, we're supporting more than successful careers—we're building stronger communities. Because when young talent succeeds, we all benefit.

Date: January 20, 2025 | Author: Tracy Lisowe

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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)...

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