The Construction Program at Monroe High School is building more than homes; it’s also building strong futures for its students and alumni.
Four recent construction graduates who are on the road to success are Carson Clark, 2017; Alex Iocoangeli, 2018; Jazlyn Clark, 2018; and Jace Clark, 2019. Although their post-high school paths are each a little different, they share serious work ethics, a commitment to their career goals, and strong roots in MHS construction classes.
Carson and Alex are both students at Ferris State University studying construction management. Carson is beginning his fourth year in the bachelor degree program, however, and Alex has two classes remaining for his associate’s.
In August, Alex was sworn in as a pre-apprentice to UA Local 671 – Monroe Plumbers and Pipefitters. He is working out in the field for Core Mechanical, where he previously worked as a shop hand when he was home on breaks.
“An apprenticeship is a great opportunity because you get paid to learn,” Alex stated, “but it’s also a big commitment. It’s five years, potentially six, including class training and work.”
He would eventually like to work up to a general foreman or supervisor position in management.
“The combination of a two-year degree and a journeyman’s card are strong credentials,” Alex stated.
Although he always had an appreciation for hands-on projects, Alex said the construction class he took with Tom Bell as a senior at Monroe High School helped him decide what he wanted to do in life.
“Mr. Bell spoke to our class about the void that is anticipated in the trades and the opportunities available,” Alex said. He also has observed this himself. “If you look at job sites, there are a lot of younger guys and a lot of older guys ready to retire soon. There is a gap in the middle.”
Alex offers this advice to high school students considering a career in the trades: “Find a trade you think you can find yourself doing. If you don’t know what you want to do, apply to local unions. Keep your options open. It doesn’t hurt to apply to more unions; it can lead to more opportunities”
“Reading blueprints and running pipes is something I thought was rewarding,” Alex said. “As a journeyman in the union, you top off at $41/hour.”
“The top three paying trades are currently plumbers/pipefitters, electricians, and ironworkers,” Alex recommended. “Carpentry is also good because it gives you a big scope of work.”
“I would encourage Monroe High School students to complete a trades program, get your associate’s degree, and obtain your journeyman’s card,” Alex said. “They can’t take a diploma away from you, and together, they are more valuable. Get it done before you’re 30, and with all of the knowledge you have gained, you will be in a good position.”
Both Alex and Carson were part of the Habitat Builds as MHS construction students and appreciated the experience. “It was beneficial having the opportunity to frame a home for Habitat and figuring out how everything works,” Carson said.
While working on his four-year construction management degree, Carson is also gaining professional experience. He worked for the Monroe County Drain Commission, he interned at Cunningham Limp, and next summer he will complete an internship at Colansti that was delayed because of COVID-19.
“I was able to shadow a superintendent on a $50 million project in Detroit. That was an amazing experience,” Carson said. He eventually wants to oversee jobs as a general contractor.
Carson completed the two-year MHS construction program and credits his instructor, Tom Bell, for being a mentor and guiding him. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I took my first construction class,” Carson stated. “Mr. Bell took me under his wing and exposed me to opportunities.”
Carson’s advice to future students is simple: “Finish the program at Monroe High School; it’s really good. Listen to Mr. Bell; he knows what he’s talking about.”
Jazlyn is also majoring in construction management and plans to earn a bachelor’s degree. Although she shares the same last name, Jazlyn is not related to Carson and Jace, who are brothers. She has a transfer agreement established with Eastern Michigan that will allow her to complete three years at Monroe County Community College. Jazlyn is currently starting her third year at MCCC and has worked for two years at the Monroe County Road Commission.
Like Carson and Alex, Jazlyn said she worked on the Habitat Build during her junior and senior years in the MHS construction program. She also tried welding her senior year.
“I actually took Welding, Automotive, and Machining classes in addition to construction,” Jazlyn said.
Her advice for entering high school students would be to explore their options and take advantage of the many quality programs Monroe High School offers.
“Don’t limit yourself to one class,” Jazlyn emphasized. “Broaden your horizon. Try out everything. You never know what you might like, and those skills will always stay with you.”
The youngest of these four alumni, Jace is already an apprentice in Ironworkers Local 25 with one year under his belt. He graduated in June, 2019, entered the trade on July 27th, and officially became an apprentice on August 21st.
Jace echoed the words of Alex about the commitment level for apprentices. “It takes a minimum of 4 years to become a journeyman – 800 hours of class time and 8,000 hours on the job, which works out to 2,000 per year,” Jace said. If you work a 40-hour week, that is the whole year. I would tell freshmen to explore classes and options, and find out what they really like.”
Jace said that his brother Carson’s positive experience led him to sign up for Mr. Bell’s construction program. Like Jazlyn, however, he chose to be part of multiple trades classes – Welding with Glenn Zorn (a favorite), Automotive with Bryan Zamorski, and a machine shop class. When he graduated from Monroe High School, he had gained knowledge and experience in multiple trades areas.
“My CTE instructors helped me find out who I want to be,” Jace stressed. “If I hadn’t taken these classes, I wouldn’t know what they were, and I might be doing something different.”