What started as a new construction class at Sutton Public Schools is quickly becoming a hands-on way for students to learn valuable trade skills while giving back to their community.
Under the direction of industrial technology teacher Mr. Ramer, students have already completed projects for local organizations, including building a new privacy fence at Gee’s Greenhouse. Plans are also underway for students to potentially assist The Bread Box with renovations at its new location.
The program began after school administrators approved a construction class designed to teach students practical, hands-on building skills.
“We decided to allow students to start learning construction techniques such as building decks, fences and other projects that give them real-world experience,” Ramer said.
The opportunity at Gee’s Greenhouse came after owners Jesse and Shelli Mohnike reached out while working on improvements made possible through grant funding from the City of Sutton. Students removed old fencing and built a new privacy fence for the greenhouse.
“It was a great opportunity for our kids to learn basic layout skills and outdoor fencing construction,” Ramer said. “It gives them experience they can use at home someday or in a future job.”
Ramer said students may also have the opportunity to assist with renovation work for The Bread Box as the nonprofit prepares to move into a new location. Potential work could include demolition, framing, drywall, electrical preparation, and assisting professionals with HVAC installation.
While licensed professionals would complete final electrical and HVAC work, students would gain valuable exposure by working alongside them.
“It gives our kids kind of an apprenticeship experience,” Ramer said.
The class has generated enough interest that Sutton Public Schools plans to offer two construction courses next year.
Ramer said the school is actively looking for additional community projects, including fences, decks and similar jobs that would allow students to continue learning while helping local residents save on labor costs. Community members interested in having students assist with a project can contact him through Sutton Public Schools.
The program may eventually expand even further.
Before coming to Sutton, Ramer taught in Iowa where students helped renovate older homes that were later sold.
“We would buy a dilapidated house, spend a year remodeling it, and then auction it off,” he said.
He hopes a similar concept could someday happen in Sutton.
“Our big goal is that eventually we could obtain a house and remodel it,” Ramer said. “It would give our kids incredible experience while improving our community.”
Ramer said one of the most rewarding parts of the program has been watching students rise to the occasion.
“They’ve been incredibly responsible,” he said. “They know people are going to see their work, and they want to do it right.”
He also believes partnerships between schools and local businesses help students explore careers before investing thousands of dollars in college.
“Students can find out what they enjoy before spending money on something that may not be the right fit,” he said.
Ramer said teaching trade skills benefits students whether they pursue careers in construction or simply use those skills later in life.
While some students may go on to careers as carpenters, electricians, plumbers or linemen, others may choose completely different paths but still benefit from learning practical skills they can use as homeowners someday.
“Even if they don’t go into construction, they’ll still have those hands-on skills when they become homeowners,” Ramer said.
Ramer said local tradespeople are also encouraged to get involved by speaking to students, mentoring them or sharing their expertise in the classroom.
“It gives students a chance to learn from people who do this work every day,” he said.
He also credited Mr. Cline, Mr. Cafferty, and the Sutton School Board for helping make the program possible.
“The push really came from Mr. Cline, Mr. Cafferty, and our school board,” Ramer said. “I’m glad they’ve given us this opportunity.”
As interest continues to grow, the program is giving students practical experience while helping strengthen the Sutton community—one project at a time.
