In the span of two years at the construction site, the sound of hammers striking, nail guns hissing, and laughter fills the air. All this clamor comes from the young hands laboring to hone their skills, forge connections, and strive towards a common goal.
Students at Murray High School in Utah are learning to build homes as part of their curriculum. Soon, a family will move into a brand-new residence on West Bullion Street.
Quinn Perry, a 53-year-old construction industry teacher at the school, told The Epoch Times that the Murray High School housing construction program, initiated in 1996, has already built 11 homes, completing one house every two years. Additionally, during off-seasons, students have constructed sheds, garages, and tiny homes.
“Providing students with real-life experiences,” Perry said, “the more we make the classroom real, the more the students learn.”
As a former construction worker turned teacher, he emphasized the great need for skilled tradespeople in the United States. He once built a house for his grandfather. Until recently, there hasn’t been a genuine plan in the U.S. to train apprentices or professionals in this field.
“Due to a lack of training, there is a significant skills gap in America, and we are trying to bridge that gap,” he said. “In the U.S., the average age of vocational tradespeople is over 50.”
“There is a huge demand in society for such talents.”
Students work in shifts, with Mr. Perry’s “B” class comprising 22 kids and his “A” class having 15, all on-site at West Bullion Street in Murray. Together, they have constructed a 2,800-square-foot house with four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a three-car garage, and a fully finished basement. The students completed this project over four semesters within two years.
In the Murray High School housing construction program, speed is not the focus, unlike the fiercely competitive construction world. “They learn how to do things correctly in class,” Perry said. Otherwise, they redo it because “we have the time, whereas in this industry, you usually don’t.”
Mr. Perry imparts the skills he acquired in his 28 years of teaching at a local university and construction site before starting teaching. He instructs courses spanning from framing to roofing, from hanging drywall to pouring concrete. For students, hands-on work is integrated throughout their entire education.
“About 75% of these kids will be receiving 18 hours of college credit,” he said, indicating a partnership between the program and universities, “they will also be eligible for scholarships.”
The program’s success is partly due to the support from the local school district and community. Developers in Murray offer discounted lots, aiding in securing projects to help students hone their skills. Likewise, they generate profits for the district, assisting in the purchase of land, supplies, and sale of homes. The collective benefits make this program sustainable.
“We just performed the final inspection on the house yesterday. It sold for $725,000 on its first day on the market,” Perry told The Epoch Times, “I think our houses typically sell above appraised value.”
Locals evidently don’t mind paying a little extra for quality. The students’ commitment to excellent craftsmanship has earned them a reputation in the community.
Mr. Perry acknowledges that some students discover they are not suited for outdoor construction work. But they are the minority. “I would say two-thirds will work in this industry,” he said. In fact, the school’s housing construction program has helped many see education in a new light.
According to a Jobber survey, nationwide, many students are taught from a young age that academia is the only path to a career, while trade professions have been stigmatized.
79% of Jobber survey respondents stated their parents encouraged them to attend college, whereas only 5% were guided towards vocational training.
In future school education or office workplaces, some young people may never discover what their true talents are. “Sometimes, these talents are overshadowed in academia,” Perry said, “the coolest thing about the construction world is that everyone has a chance to succeed. We need managers, we need any skills you can imagine.”
The housing construction program at Murray High School has broadened the horizons of many students. A young female student who had previously been accepted by a prominent construction company found her true passion through Mr. Perry’s project. Subsequently, she transitioned to working in construction management.
“She is building 100 houses every year,” Perry said, “she is the project manager for the company.” She didn’t want to be confined to an office. Instead, she enjoys being on-site, getting hands-on with the work.
What houses will the students of Murray High School be building next?
“We plan to build a tiny house to wrap up this year,” Perry said. The tiny home will cater to the city’s customization needs and serve as temporary housing, donated to the homeless in Salt Lake City.