When it comes to a career in construction, it’s never too early to jump in. Students at Howell High School’s Construction Program have been given an unprecedented start.
The Construction Program is available for Howell students grades 10-12, and provides the opportunity to spend a few hours each day building foundational skills for a career in the construction industry — working on carpentry, masonry, landscaping and more.
For the past three years, students in the program have had the opportunity to travel to the Trinity Health Livingston addition/renovation project site in Brighton, Michigan. There, Granger Project Superintendent, Ryan Snellenberger, takes students around the entire project, pointing out notable build aspects and unique challenges the team has faced. In these three years, the students have seen the facility in all phases of construction.
Todd Millspaugh, a Construction Trades Teacher at Howell High School, shared, “For our students to see the project develop over a 2-year period, being introduced to a commercial jobsite for the first time and seeing all the different trades working was such a huge eye-opener! It was an incredible experience each time we went through. Ryan was always willing to take questions and talk about career opportunities as well as the project. It was an amazing opportunity for our students, and we wish we could find more companies as willing to engage with our students as Granger!”
Each year, the students learn and grow along with this facility. They are given the opportunity to get real-life insight into the building process of a healthcare facility at such a large scale. Using their prior knowledge of the industry and hands-on experience, students are able to ask questions and get a unique perspective from those who are on site each day.
Ryan Snellenberger shared, “As someone who stood in their shoes over two decades ago—when I was a student in a high school building trades program—it has been incredibly rewarding to come full circle. Over the past three school years, I’ve had the opportunity to invite building trades students to tour a large-scale construction site, giving them a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the industry in action. It’s been truly inspiring to witness these young individuals engage with the trades firsthand. These site visits offer more than just a glimpse into the profession; they provide a meaningful connection to real-world careers that are both vital and fulfilling. At a time when worker shortages continue to challenge the construction industry, it’s encouraging to see a renewed interest in skilled trades. Experiences like these remind us why it’s so important to invest in youth, spark passion early, and support the next generation of builders.”
In the Construction Program, the students work to build sheds, hunting shacks and occasionally take on projects helping those in need in their community, such as the recent construction and installation of a handicap accessible ramp for a home-bound couple in Fowlerville. Each year, the upperclassmen also take on the challenge of building an entire house. The program has built 20 homes in total over the years, teaching an entire generation vital skills they will need for a career in the construction industry.
Brendan Samborn, a Construction Trades Teacher at Howell High School, shared, “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity that Granger has provided. Ryan was also an incredibly gracious host and none of this would have happened without his help and support! Overall, this has been a transformative opportunity for our students. Our program exists to help students gain exposure to the construction industry and develop the subsequent skills they would need to begin a successful career in a trade of their choosing. Our partnership with Granger helps broaden students understanding of what a career in the construction industry could look like and the benefits it offers!”
