The Construction Tech class at OHS is putting their skills together and building sheds for the community. Construction Tech is a semester-long class available for 10 -12 grade students. Among many other projects, this class tests the students’ knowledge through the building of sheds. Sheds will start getting built in April, after spring break. 

This year, two of the sheds have been bought by the athletic department at OHS. One shed is going to an elementary school and one shed does not yet have a final destination. Building these sheds is a long but worthwhile process: they start with the flooring system and floor sheeting, then build the walls and attach trusses, do the sheeting on the walls and roof, apply the shingles and install the doors and windows if they are needed for the particular shed. Siding, roofing and garage doors will be installed and they will then be shipped to their home location.  The sheds are currently being built at the Owatonna Business Center on the other side of 35-W. 

It is tech teacher, Mr. Daniel Forcelle’s first year teaching at OHS and he is eager to get started working on the sheds with his students. Mr. Forcelle said, “This gives kids a great hands-on experience with the basic skills needed to complete a construction project.” 

Like Mr. Forcelle, students are also very excited to work on the sheds. OHS Senior Leyton Williams said, “I am excited to get experience and be able to give back to the community.” Students appreciate the class and this opportunity because it provides them with knowledge and basic skills in real construction. Having the ability to build something that is important and will actually be used is very rewarding. OHS senior Joey Pirkl said, “I’m excited to be able to build something with our hands and get to actually see the finished product.” 

Construction Tech is a class among many that helps students within their pathways and helps them reach their future goals. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity for students regardless of whether they are looking to pursue a career in the construction industry or just want to expand their knowledge and try new things.