In the News

Tim O’Brien Homes and Oconomowoc High School’s Building Trades 3 class have been partnering together for the past 7 years to help give students hands on experience with building a home. This past month a ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted at the home in Pine Ridge Estates in Oconomowoc. Students invited their family and friends to showcase the finished project and hear more about their experience with building the home from start to finish. Each student shared what they enjoyed most about this project and what steps they are taking to further their career after high school. This program helps encourage students to consider a trade for a career path and gives them the experience they need to be able to take that path if they choose to.

With the current high demand for trade jobs, it is important for students to consider a future in this field. Bringing them in as an important part of the building process gives students real-world experience.  Through this experience, they are able to identify future career possibilities. The students work with their teacher, Steven Olson, Tim O’Brien team members, and our trade. This year, 95% of the Building Trades 3 class are either already a part of an apprenticeship or will be starting one soon.

The demand for this class from the students has grown tremendously over the years.  Steve Olson does a tremendous job working with our team and the success of this program rests on their hard work. Steve has recently been named 2018 Seventhwave Educator of the Year for his efforts in making a difference in his student’s lives through the Building Trades program.  He was honored for his efforts this past week at the Better Buildings: Better Business Conference in Wisconsin Dells.

We are excited to announce we will also be partnering with New Berlin High School for a similar program and they will be helping us complete a home in our newest community, Red Fox Crossing.