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Some students take tests or write papers for their final exams, but the high school students at the Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab – known as the MiLL – built a house right here in Widefield School District 3 (WSD3).

Last week students, parents, staff and industry partners celebrated the completion of their first Careers in Construction Colorado (CICC) home build on MiLL property. It's just one location of many statewide schools that are hosting CICC home builds and classes.

The Home Build program facilitated by CICC is a hands-on experience where students use the skills they have learned in their classroom settings – carpentry, plumbing, electrical, OSHA 10 safety, and more – to construct the new home. Construction industry professionals provide on-site support through Builder Captains as well as licensed trade partners. Now that the Home Build at the MiLL is complete and sold, much celebration is in order.

J. Michael Landis, the WSD3 construction instructor, lauded the hard work of his students, as well as the CICC curriculum.

"When we are supported by an organization like this, we are not working in a vacuum, but able to connect our students with an opportunity to have a jump start in the industry," he said.

Alex, a 2021 graduate who has already begun working in the electrician trade, said: "Through Careers in Construction, I was able to learn simple skills that in the end become huge assets for me as I began to start work in construction." 

This newly built home has been purchased and will be moved off site for use later this fall, CICC Operations Manager Marlo Asher said. A new home build will begin around the same time.

CICC introduced the Home Build program in the 2018-19 school year.

"This program enables students to construct a 1,200-square-foot modular home on school district property as a part of their Career Technical Education (CTE) classes," Asher said. "The MiLL started their Home Build during the 2018-19 school year. This was scheduled to be a year-long build, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the build was delayed since the students were not in school."

Speakers at the Sept. 28 celebration included:

Nicole Carter - CTE Director

Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr.

Mike Landis - Construction Instructor

Kevin Duren - WSD3 Superintendent

Submitted photo

The student-built modular home at The MiLL is shown during the construction process.

George Hess - Colorado Springs Home Builders Association

Jesse Hardin - 2020 MRHS graduate

Devin Vicari - WHS senior

About Careers in Construction Colorado

Careers in Construction Colorado (CICC) is a 501c3 nonprofit that believes students deserve choices for a sustainable and rewarding career, and the construction industry deserves a skilled workforce. Through work-based learning experiences in and outside the classroom, CICC students receive countless opportunities to successfully expand their construction skills. This program is equipped with certificates recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, internships, and career pathways right out of high school.

For additional information, visit CICC's website at ciccolorado.org