High school renovation-and-remodeling (R&R) program gives students trade skills and job connections

St. Helens High School students described how the district’s Renovation and Remodeling (R&R) program prepares them for construction trades and, in some cases, direct entry to union apprenticeships. Board members heard current students, alumni and local employers explain that the program combines classroom instruction with hands-on work restoring houses and managing project finances.

“The R and R program is a state certified pre apprenticeship program for construction,” student Georgia Hogan told the board. She explained that students work on market analysis and house selection, perform renovation work that does not require a licensed contractor, and are transported to and from job sites during double‑period classes. “The students are involved in the market analysis, the rationale of a house selection, largest ROI, the purchasing, the work itself, and the ongoing maintenance until the time of sale,” she said.

Alumni described a direct line from the classroom to paid work. “I was able to get jobs over the summers… connections I had made in R and R,” said a former student, who added that the program’s hands‑on training made him more competitive when he entered the plumbing trade as an apprentice. A local employer who hires program graduates told the board he gives extra weight to recommendations from the R&R program and that alumni bring framing and carpentry skills that save time and money on projects.

Program history and finances discussed to the board include: - A revitalization grant of $380,000 funded the program start (teacher salary support and program costs) in 2015. - The program was self‑sustaining in the first three years and previously paid a portion of the teacher’s salary from house‐sale proceeds; COVID affected that revenue stream, but recent sales have returned the program to a positive balance. - Students receive tools and workwear from program proceeds; students work alongside local contractors and complete non‑licensed portions of construction.

Why this matters: The R&R program provides a pathway to skilled trades for students who may not follow a four‑year college route. The board heard that graduates gain marketable skills, tools and community connections that lead directly to employment and apprenticeship opportunities. Trustees suggested the district publish an alumni list and an online alumni spotlight to connect graduates with local hiring needs.

Board response and next steps: Trustees asked staff to post a graduate list and to create an alumni page highlighting students who have started businesses or joined local trades. District staff affirmed they will add such information to the district website as a promotion of CTE programs.

Ending: Students, alumni and local employers presented a consistent message: the R&R program mixes classroom instruction, real work experience and employer connections that help graduates move straight into trades and that contribute funds and workforce talent to the local community.