O'Brien Homes constructs classroom experience

Posted: Sept. 14, 2011

Oconomowoc Area Schools - Oconomowoc High School's Building Trades III program is a course that brings new meaning to the term hands-on learning.

For the first four years since the program was implemented, students in the class have worked with an area construction company to build a home from the ground up.

This year, the course that provides students with real-life experience will partner with Tim O'Brien Homes to construct a home in the Autumn Ridge subdivision in Ixonia.

There are usually between 12-15 students in the class, OHS teacher Steve Olson said.

"Kids in Building Trades Three have had to fill out applications for enrollment and are selected," he explained.

"Many of the kids that are in it have career goals of entering into the construction industry at some level. Whether it be entry level or post secondary construction management, this class gives them a real life insight into the processes that go into building a house and also puts them in contact with tradesmen in the various trades and business construction leaders in the industry to get a real-life look at what is out there," Olson added.

"This (partnership with Tim O'Brien Homes) will open up the kids to some new perspectives as well as the hands-on connective learning that takes place on a job site," the teacher said.

 Tim O'Brien Homes utilizes many green building practices in its construction. The company uses renewable energy features in many of the homes that they build, in addition to Energy Star standards.

"This is very relevant in the construction industry now and will be a great component with the students for the future. We are thrilled to be working with Tim O'Brien and excited to be able to continue this great experience for the students of the OASD," Olson said.

Previously, students in the advanced class worked with Brookstone Homes, with whom they built four homes in the Deer Creek Preserve in Ixonia, who were not able to participate this year.

"We always had a very positive experience working with them," Olson said.

He and district administration welcome the opportunity to link with O'Brien.

"We're very fortunate to be working with them," said Superintendent Dr. Pat Neudecker.

On site, the students work under the guidance and direction of Olson and the builder's licensed contractors. Their experience helps facilitate ideas of the various career paths available through the construction industry. Olson said students are given the opportunity to learn about the additional responsibilities involved in the building process, including estimating, completing purchase orders and scheduling vendors and subcontractors.

Helping students who are interested in the field explore the career paths available is one of the factors that drove O'Brien to become involved.

"Each year there are students who discover they really enjoy the business side of the industry more than the physical skills," Olson added.

 "One of the core values in our organization is giving back to the community and philanthropic events. We thought this was a great opportunity to give back to kids. We love to share knowledge of green building and energy efficient construction; it's really aligned with the values of the organization," Tim O'Brien said.

The class will be working on a 1,678-square-foot ranch-style home that boasts three bedrooms and two baths. It is expected to be priced just under $200,000. Safety was the prime consideration that drove the house and lot choice, O'Brien explained.

They are expected to break ground on the home in three to four weeks, after obtaining the necessary permits.

"It's usually a pretty quick process, but it's a process," O'Brien explained.

He said the company is excited to team with the high school and provide real-world experience to students interested in the home building field.

"We would like to educate students about what the opportunities are and what an exciting profession this can be, and get involved in the greater good of the industry to share knowledge," he added.

In addition to the field work, O'Brien will also be a guest speaker in the classroom to discuss green building techniques.