A new class within Middleton High School’s Technology and Engineering Education program is giving students hands-on experience in home construction that educators and community partners say will serve them well beyond high school.
16 juniors and seniors are enrolled in Mr. Dan Biddick’s class as part of the new Home Construction program at MHS, in partnership with the Madison Area Builders Association (MABA) Foundation and Encore Homes, Inc. The students are building a ranch-style home in a new Middleton subdivision under the guidance of experienced contractors and are learning several aspects of residential construction.
“This incredible opportunity would not be possible without the support of our outstanding community partners,” Biddick said. “Their willingness to work alongside our students and share their expertise is an invaluable part of this experience.”
Construction partners dug the foundation for the home in August 2026, and students began working on the project – also called The Foundation Build – during the first week of the 2026-27 school year. They had the option to sign up for one semester or the full year based on course availability, and all 16 students made the year-long commitment.
“It’s an amazing class,” said Emmanuel, an MHS junior. “I’m thankful to Encore Homes for taking the time to help students out and give us experience.”
“I’m having a great time and love being able to be outside of the classroom and work with my hands while still learning very important things,” added Elliot, an MHS junior.
In addition to funds for the home build, MABA is contributing resources such as power tools and essential equipment, a work trailer, and the home build lot itself. Leaders from the MABA Foundation and Encore Homes said MHS students are taking active roles in bringing the project to life.
“The students have been very engaged and willing to learn,” said Ed Hoksbergen, Vice President of Production at Encore Homes. “They have been working each day they are on site.”
“We’ve found MHS students to be genuinely interested in opportunities within residential construction,” added Chad Lawler, Executive Director at MABA. “While the build has just begun, we are excited to continue working with MHS students.”
The class is new this school year, but planning began in Fall 2021 after meetings between educators, District leaders, and the MABA Skilled Trades Committee about ways to engage young adults with industry careers and opportunities. A different general contractor will be named annually based on an available offsite home build lot in the Middleton-Cross Plains area, with Encore Homes being the contractor for 2026-27.
Career and Technical Education Coordinator Dave Thomas said the partnership and the class were both designed “to be sustainable as a course offering every year.” Lawler also said that MCPASD leaders and staff “are open to all ideas and willing to put in the time and effort needed to form long-term, effective partnerships.”
Across the nation, the construction industry is facing a substantial need for skilled labor and will need an estimated 1.2 million people to join in the next two years to meet housing demands. Lawler said while these educational opportunities can support students who want to pursue a career in construction, it’s “not just filling a need for labor.”
“It’s really about providing students and their families with the opportunity to learn lifelong skills that will benefit them while offering a pathway to a high-paying, in-demand career,” Lawler said.
Educators also shared why more students should consider enrolling in the Technology and Engineering Education program. In addition to the new Home Construction opportunity, other classes including woodworking, engineering, and metal and fabrication offer opportunities for students to create and see the impact of real-world projects.
“It is more than just taking a class,” Biddick said. “It is about building skills, creating things, solving real problems, working with professionals, and discovering what you are capable of doing.”
“We also hope to increase the number of juniors who successfully transition into a youth apprenticeship opportunity in their senior year,” Thomas added, “and hope that all seniors in this course who are seeking employment opportunities after high school are able to get an offer in their skilled trades area of interest prior to graduation.”
Community members can follow along with The Foundation Build’s progress on the MHS website throughout the year. Employers who are interested in hiring a Youth Apprenticeship student may contact Dave Thomas, Career and Technical Education Coordinator, at dthomas2@mcpasd.k12.wi.us or call 608-829-9858.