From toolboxes and cabinets to even salad bowls, the woods construction classroom, also known as the “shop”, goes underappreciated and even a bit overlooked. Tucked away in the back of the school, many students don’t fully understand the value of what it offers. Despite the wide range of valuable skills taught in the woods classroom, many students regard it as only a place to make “little hobby stuff,” such as basic wooden boxes. Brian Bell, Joliet West Woods Construction teacher, explains the contrary: “They get a lot more than just cutting out a pumpkin on Halloween and painting it; they’re actually learning.” The truth is that the class serves as a stepping stone for students interested in pursuing professions in construction, carpentry, and other highly sought-after skilled trades.

In fact, one of the most beneficial parts of the woods construction program is the School to Apprenticeship (STA) program, which allows high school seniors to complete a year of their apprenticeship training while still enrolled. The STA program allows students to gain real-world experience and make progress toward a career in the trades while still in high school. This year’s candidates for the STA program are seniors Christian and Christopher Miranda, twin brothers who are currently enrolled in the woods construction program. Christian explains, “It’s a really good opportunity; I’m glad we were able to do it”. For students like Christian and Christopher, the woods construction classroom is an opportunity to build their resumes and gain industry recognition. Through the STA program, they’re not just learning how to build houses or cabinets, they’re learning how to build their futures.

One of the key elements that sets Joliet West’s woods construction program apart is the rich experience that Mr. Bell brings to the classroom. With nearly 30 years of carpenter experience in the field, Mr. Bell offers students not only the technical skills they need but also the knowledge accumulated from decades of real-world experience. He states, “For shop classes, the best teachers are people who came from their fields.” This experience is crucial in a field where hands-on knowledge is essential, and his students can attest to that. Junior, Daniel Granados explains, “Woods taught me to work with my hands”, continuing to say how he’d definitely take the class again. His friend, Romeo Camacho, also expressed his appreciation for his teacher: “ He takes care of every student he’s got,” he said. 

There is a great demand for trained individuals in the trades, but many people are unaware of the benefits of working in them. Many have spent years pursuing degrees only to realize that those in trades can earn the same,if not more,while working in a field that doesn’t need years of school debt. The woods construction program helps students bypass this uncertainty. Through hands-on experience in Woods 1, 2, and 3 classes, students can figure out if they have a passion for building and working with their hands before they commit to years of college education, Mr. Bell explains, “This is great for kids to figure out if they like it before college. A lot of students don’t realize a lot of contractors are very academically smart people.” The biggest advantage of the woods construction classes is that they provide students with a chance to explore the trades in a low-risk environment.

Joliet West’s woods construction classroom is much more than just a place to build projects; it’s a place where students can discover a lifelong career path. With an experienced teacher, hands-on learning, and courses such as the STA program, students can discover their love for construction and potentially launch their careers before even graduating from high school. Ultimately, the woods construction classroom is helping to shape the future of skilled trades, by showing students that the best career opportunities are often found outside of the classroom.