At Wayne City, the building trades class is more than just another elective. It is a hands-on experience that teaches students how to turn blueprints into reality and to build from the ground up. Students in this program are learning valuable skills that can lead to well-paying careers in construction, carpentry, and other trades. But it is not just about learning a job. It is learning about life skills. When a project does not go as planned, they figure it out together, just like on a real job site.

The class, taught by Chris Robertson, gives students a chance to work with real tools and materials while learning safety, teamwork, and problem solving. Every project starts with a plan and ends with something real. Robertson said, “The trades are a huge opportunity right now. We are not just teaching how to use tools, we’re teaching responsibility, precision, and pride in your work.”

For many students, the appeal is the hands-on nature of the class. Instead of worksheets, they are measuring, cutting, and assembling real materials. The building trades program is also about confidence. Many students start the class unsure of their abilities, but by the end, they have mastered techniques they never thought they could.  Senior Evan Elliot has learned a lot from the opportunity of having this class in high school. Elliot said, “Every brick laid is a step towards greatness. Keep building.” The building trades program at Wayne City High School proves that education does not always come from a textbook. Sometimes, the best lessons are ones a student builds him or herself.