The inaugural Minnesota Construction Teachers Conference (MCTC) was a hit.
Seventeen educators, with a focus on construction and related trades, came to the two-day conference, held September 30 and October 1, ready to learn and network.
The conference included programs on building codes, construction curriculum, resources for teachers, labor market updates, and program sharing. The event was capped off with tour of a multimillion-dollar home being constructed by John Kraemer and Sons.
“As a building trades teacher, rarely are we able to attend a conference that is tailored just for us. It was great to hear from industry professionals as well as fellow teachers,” said Kyle Swenson, Wayzata High School. “My teaching will improve after attending this conference.”
“For me, … (the) conference reinforced the importance of good teachers and programming in our public schools,” said Joe Deutsch, Prior Lake Schools.
“Beyond that, it gave me opportunity to connect with industry professionals that are willing to solve the growing demands and labor shortages that (exist) today. Overall, the conference left me feeling valued and supported as an educator,” he said.
In addition to the learning from industry professionals, the educators also got time to exchange ideas and programs that work in their schools.
One teacher said, “I did get some helpful ideas from other instructors.”
“…it was great connecting with other teachers. Hearing about the state of construction was awesome as well,” said Swenson.
According to St. Cloud Technical Community College Instructor Pat Dehler, the conference was a great way to see the high school level programs and how they are preparing students for a future in the trades.
MCTC owes it success to its partners, said Staff Member Tammy Sakry of Project Build Minnesota, the event host.
The presenters did a wonderful job, she said.
Housing First Minnesota provided a beautiful facility to hold the event, Lyman Companies sponsored dinner, and Frattalone Companies sponsors the transportation to the construction tour, while J-Berd Mechanical Contractors sponsored breakfast on Thursday.
Project Build Minnesota looking forward to hosting the second annual MCTC next fall, Sakry said.