Union Grove High School is proud to announce that our Construction Pathway program has received official endorsement from the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin (AGC), a tremendous step forward in enhancing the opportunities and resources available to our students. This endorsement signifies AGC’s recognition of the quality and rigor of our program, as well as their commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled workers.
Mr. Ryan Boylen, who leads the Construction Pathway program, and Travis Wetzel, Career & Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator, have worked with AGC for the past two years to cultivate this partnership. We are thrilled that AGC’s support includes sponsoring our students in earning the OSHA-10 safety certification, a widely recognized credential that provides essential safety knowledge for the construction industry. This certification is an invaluable addition, giving our students a competitive advantage as they prepare to enter the workforce.
A Collaborative Effort Supported by Multiple Industry Partners
Our Construction Pathway has rapidly developed and grown, thanks to the dedication of many industry partners. In addition to AGC, we are fortunate to work with several local and regional organizations that provide vital support, including donations of supplies and real-world learning opportunities. These partners include:
JP Cullen
Riley Construction
Bower Construction
Kurk Concrete
Hagen Homes
Boldt
BSW Electric
Auer Steel
First Call Heating & Cooling
Greater Union Grove Chamber of Commerce
Village of Union Grove
Each of these organizations plays a vital role in building a robust and hands-on learning experience for our students.
Career Preparation through Dual Credit and Youth Apprenticeship
A key feature of our Construction Pathway is the integration of dual credit options with Gateway Technical College, allowing students to earn college credits while completing their high school coursework. This partnership not only gives students a head start on post-secondary education but also makes their education more affordable by enabling them to complete college credits without tuition costs.
Our Youth Apprenticeship program further strengthens the pathway by providing students with opportunities to gain practical, on-the-job experience. Through partnerships with local employers, students can apply their classroom knowledge in real-world construction environments, developing hands-on skills that will be essential for their future careers.
Additional Certifications and Endorsements
In addition to the OSHA-10 certification sponsored by AGC, our students also have the opportunity to earn a certification from the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC). This long-standing partner has supported our curriculum with resources that prepare students to meet industry standards.
Further solidifying its reputation, the Union Grove High School Construction Pathway was endorsed as a Regional Career Pathway by the Department of Public Instruction last year. This distinction highlights our program as a model for career-focused education in the construction field, underscoring the pathway’s commitment to student success and workforce readiness.
The endorsement by AGC, along with the strong support from all our partners, showcases the exceptional foundation our Construction Pathway provides. Through hands-on experience, dual credit opportunities, and recognized certifications, we are equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s competitive construction industry.
We are grateful for AGC’s endorsement and the ongoing support from our community and industry partners. Together, we are building a future for our students that is both grounded in learning and rich with career opportunities.
Photos by: Broncos Media & Mrs. Hegemann