Students in our construction program have reached an exciting milestone in the shed-building project. Over the past several months, they have been working hard to frame and assemble the structure, and they have now successfully completed all of the exterior walls. This phase of the project gave students the opportunity to practice essential framing skills—measuring, cutting, squaring walls, and working together as a team to raise and secure each section of the structure.

With the walls now standing, the class has shifted its focus to the next major stage of the build: the roof. Students are currently learning about roof framing, which introduces a new set of concepts and skills. This includes understanding roof pitch, calculating rafter lengths, and learning how rafters come together to form a strong and stable roof structure.

One of the key skills students are practicing is laying out and cutting rafters. This process requires careful measurement and attention to detail. Students are learning how to mark plumb cuts, seat cuts (also known as birdsmouth cuts), and tail cuts so that each rafter fits properly onto the top plates of the walls. These skills are fundamental in residential construction and give students valuable hands-on experience with real-world carpentry techniques.
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Projects like this help students connect classroom concepts with practical application. As they move through each stage of construction—from framing walls to cutting rafters—they gain a deeper understanding of how structures are built and the craftsmanship required to build them well.
The next steps will involve installing the rafters and beginning to see the roof structure take shape. It has been great to watch students take pride in their work as the shed continues to come together piece by piece.

​We are incredibly grateful to R & R Taylor Construction for their generous support of our Construction Academy students. As winter weather set in and our students continued building sheds outdoors, staying warm and safe on the job site became even more important. Thanks to R & R Taylor Construction, our students now have high-quality winter work coats that allow them to stay comfortable and focused while working in cold conditions.

These coats are more than just warm clothing; they are an investment in student success. When students are properly equipped, they can concentrate on learning essential construction skills, practicing safe work habits, and taking pride in the projects they are building. Having professional-grade gear also helps reinforce real-world job site expectations and builds confidence as students prepare for careers in the trades.
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R & R Taylor Construction has a strong reputation for quality workmanship and community involvement, and this donation is a great example of that commitment. Their willingness to support hands-on education helps connect students to the construction industry and shows them that local professionals value their efforts and potential. We sincerely thank R & R Taylor Construction for helping keep our students warm, safe, and productive throughout the winter build season.

The Construction Academy is incredibly grateful to Jackson Contractors for generously loaning us a skid steer to use on our school job site. This piece of equipment will play a major role in helping our staff move materials safely and efficiently as construction activities continue.

Material handling is a critical part of any real-world job site, and having access to industry-standard equipment allows our program to function more like a professional operation. The skid steer will be used primarily by staff to transport lumber, sheathing, and other building materials—reducing physical strain, improving workflow, and keeping projects moving forward efficiently.

Beyond the practical benefits, this donation highlights the importance of strong partnerships between industry and education. Support from local contractors allows our staff to focus more time and energy on instruction while maintaining a safe and productive job site.

We are truly thankful for Jackson Contractors’ support of the Construction Academy. Their generosity makes our work more efficient and helps create a high-quality learning environment for our students.

This week in the Construction Academy, students moved from plans on paper to real structures, gaining hands-on experience framing rough door openings and standing walls on their practice builds. These activities mark an important milestone in their journey, as students begin to see how individual pieces of lumber come together to create a solid, functional structure.
Framing a rough door opening requires careful measurement, attention to detail, and an understanding of how loads move through a wall. Students practiced laying out king studs, trimmers, headers, and sills, learning not only what each piece is called, but why it matters. Accurate layout ensures doors will fit properly and walls will stay strong and square—skills that directly translate to job sites in the real world.
Standing walls brought another layer of learning. Teams worked together to safely lift, align, and secure framed walls onto their practice structures. This process taught students the importance of communication, teamwork, and proper material handling. Every wall stood was a confidence boost and a visible reminder of what they can accomplish when they work together.
Throughout the project, students also sharpened their tool skills. From tape measures and speed squares to nailers and drills, they learned how to use each tool efficiently and safely. Safety remained a top priority at every step, with students wearing protective equipment, maintaining clean work areas, and following proper procedures—habits that are essential in any professional construction environment.
These hands-on experiences are what make the Construction Academy so powerful. By building real structures, students are not just learning about construction—they are becoming builders, problem-solvers, and future members of the skilled trades. Each framed door and each standing wall brings them one step closer to success in the industry and beyond.

Construction Trades students at Gallatin and Bozeman High Schools have officially begun work on their first annual shed-building projects, bringing classroom learning to life through real-world construction experiences. After many weeks of developing skills in safety, measurement, layout, and tool use, students are now applying their knowledge on the job site with purpose and enthusiasm. This week marks an exciting milestone as students begin constructing the flooring systems for their sheds.

Working in teams, students are laying out and assembling the floor platforms that will serve as the foundation for each structure. They’re putting their technical training into action—reading plans, making accurate cuts, fastening components correctly, and ensuring everything is square, level, and structurally sound. The job site feels like a true construction environment, and students are gaining valuable hands-on insight into the workflow and expectations of the trades.
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These shed builds not only strengthen technical ability but also build teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence. As walls, roofs, and finishing details take shape in the weeks and months ahead, students will continue to deepen their understanding of the construction industry and the career pathways it offers. This year’s projects are off to a strong and inspiring start!

This last few weeks in the Construction Academy, students took an exciting step forward as they began learning the essentials of floor and wall framing. Using their newly built “practice walls,” students are getting hands-on experience with construction fundamentals that will serve as the backbone of every structure they build in the future.
As part of the process, students are developing key skills such as accurate measurement, layout techniques, and proper tool usage. They are also learning how to ensure that every component is square, level, and plumb—critical concepts that determine the overall stability and quality of any building project.
What makes this experience especially valuable is the real-world application. Students aren’t just hearing about these concepts—they’re using tape measures, levels, framing squares, and saws to apply them. By practicing on their sample walls, they gain the confidence and competence needed to tackle full-scale projects later in the year.
The Construction Academy continues to provide powerful opportunities for students to build practical skills, explore career pathways, and experience the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. Watching these students take ownership of their learning—and their craftsmanship—has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what they build next.

Students in the Construction Academy program at both Bozeman High School and Gallatin High School had the unique opportunity this week to step into the operator’s seat—virtually! Williams Academy visited both campuses with their state-of-the-art heavy equipment simulators, giving students a hands-on look at what it’s like to operate excavators, dozers, and other machinery used daily on construction sites.

The simulators provided a realistic and engaging learning experience, allowing students to safely explore what it takes to manage large-scale construction equipment. Many students commented on how eye-opening it was to see the precision and skill required to operate these machines effectively.

In addition to the simulator experience, representatives from Williams Civil Construction spoke with students about the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available through their company. These include pathways in Plumbing, HVAC, and Heavy Equipment Operation, providing real-world, paid training opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the trades.
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The visit from Williams Academy was an exciting and valuable addition to the Construction Academy curriculum, connecting classroom learning to real industry experiences. Opportunities like these continue to help students explore potential career paths, develop practical skills, and better understand the rewarding work that drives Montana’s construction industry forward.

Our Construction Academy students at Bozeman High School and Gallatin High School are experiencing the power of industry support firsthand, thanks to generous tool donations from Milwaukee Tool and Kenyon Noble here in Bozeman. These contributions are already making a tremendous difference in the classroom, the shop, and on the job site.

A Legacy of Quality: Milwaukee Tool
Founded in 1924, Milwaukee Tool has built a reputation as a leader in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty power tools, hand tools, and accessories. Known for their innovation and durability, Milwaukee tools are trusted by professionals across the world to handle the toughest jobs. For our students, having access to this industry-standard equipment means they’re learning with the very same tools they’ll use in their future careers. It’s more than just convenience—it’s preparation for real-world success.

A Local Partner: Kenyon Noble
Closer to home, Kenyon Noble has been a cornerstone of the Gallatin Valley since 1889. With deep roots in Montana, this family-owned business has supported generations of builders, contractors, and do-it-yourselfers with quality materials and supplies. Their commitment to strengthening our community extends beyond construction materials—they are also deeply invested in supporting education and workforce development. By providing tools to our program, Kenyon Noble is helping ensure that today’s students can become tomorrow’s skilled tradespeople.

Tools That Build Futures
The donations from Milwaukee Tool and Kenyon Noble go far beyond hardware. These tools are the foundation of hands-on learning, allowing our students to practice safe, efficient, and professional building techniques. From cutting lumber with precision to fastening materials securely, the right tools empower our students to do their best work. Just as importantly, they help instill pride, responsibility, and confidence as students master each new skill.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Milwaukee Tool and Kenyon Noble. Their partnership strengthens our Construction Academy and ensures our students have the resources they need to succeed—not just in class, but in their future careers. With support like this, we are building more than projects. We are building futures.​

Our high school construction students are starting the year on the right foot—literally! Thanks to a generous donation from Red Wing Shoes, every student in our program received a donated pair of high-quality work boots.

For anyone who has spent time on a construction site, you know that reliable footwear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, durability, and protection. From preventing slips and falls to guarding against dropped tools or heavy materials, a sturdy pair of boots is one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment a builder can own.

Red Wing has been a trusted name in workwear for more than a century, known for producing boots that stand up to tough conditions while keeping workers safe. Their support ensures our students are equipped like true professionals as they begin learning and practicing in the shop and on job sites.

We are incredibly grateful to Red Wing for investing in the future of our students and supporting the next generation of builders. Their generosity not only keeps our students safe but also shows them the importance of community and industry partnerships.
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Thanks to Red Wing, our students are walking tall into a future of opportunities—one safe step at a time.

We’re excited to share that our brand-new construction classes at Bozeman High School and Gallatin High School are off to a fantastic start! Both programs are full, and our students have jumped right in, showing enthusiasm and dedication as they begin their hands-on learning journey.

Over the past few weeks, students have been building a strong foundation in essential construction skills. They’ve been:

• Learning and practicing safety procedures in the shop and with individual tools
• Reviewing and applying measurement and layout techniques
• Studying materials, fasteners, and tool organization
• Building their very first project--sawhorses for the job site

These early lessons are setting the stage for more advanced skills and real-world applications as the year continues.

It’s important to emphasize that this opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our local industry partners. Their sponsorship, resources, and belief in our students have made it possible to launch this program and give high schoolers the chance to explore a career path that is hands-on, practical, and in high demand.

With full classrooms, eager learners, and strong community support, things could not be off to a better start. We’re thrilled to see the excitement around this program and look forward to watching our students grow their skills and confidence throughout the year.