Maplewood Career Center juniors and seniors participating in the school’s electricity and carpentry programs are receiving hands-on learning by completing projects at various locations in the community. The students are currently working on completely remodeling a residential rental property owned by the school, with a goal of ensuring that the home is up to code and livable when complete.

“This project allows students to increase their hands-on work experience,” said Carpentry Instructor Ted Georger. “It also provides students with the opportunity to learn to work through real world challenges, which cannot be taught in the classroom.”

The property, originally built in the 1920s, is undergoing a total renovation. Carpentry students are completing structural repairs, formwork, window replacement, exterior finishes, flooring, framing and a new custom kitchen build. Electricity students are installing a new electrical service upgrade along with devices, lighting and circuitry.

“Remodeling and renovating houses have become popular sources of employment over the past 10 years,” said Electricity Instructor Joseph Svonavec. “This project gives our students a great opportunity to see how construction work is done and allows them to practice different wiring techniques to complete the project.”