Lyndon Institute Construction Trades Students Rehabilitate Wheelock Town Hall

March 26th, 2019

Lyndon Center, VT – Students in Lyndon Institute’s Construction Trades program have partnered with the Town of Wheelock to repair and rehabilitate the historic Town Hall. Built in 1871, the building is on the registry of historic buildings. The Construction Trades students were presented a list of repairs and students selected the tasks that they would complete. 

“The work at the Town Hall allows students to practice their construction skills in a real-world context. They have to work with town officers to estimate costs of the projects, experience supervision and deadlines, and have their work inspected by their clients,” said Jason Di Giulio, Director of Career and Technical Education at Lyndon Institute. “Additionally, they work in teams to accomplish tasks. One day, there were four teams of students working in cutting, dry-walling, trimming, and painting.”

Students in the Construction Trades program experience classroom and lab applications of tools, methods, materials, and technologies currently used in the construction industry, as well as green building and energy efficient construction. The theory of the construction industry is addressed, as well as related math concepts. Practical experience is gained through on-site and community service-based construction projects, like the Wheelock Town Hall, throughout the year. Additionally, students will complete their OSHA 10 certification and their National Center for Construction Education and Research credentials.

"The work the students have been doing at the Wheelock Town Hall has been phenomenal. We know that programs like this, and all of Career and Technical Education, allows students to practice their learning in the real-world. It puts students right at the center of the action," added Di Giulio.

The Construction Trades program at LI uses the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum. The NCCER and its curriculum is a result of a partnership between 125 construction companies, and various association and academic leaders. The curriculum features modern construction techniques, green construction and energy, restoration, and the other standards.

“The Town of Wheelock certainly appreciates the work, and we are happy to provide our neighboring students the opportunity for real life work experience,” said Ann Lawless, a Wheelock Select Board member.

The Wheelock Common Historic District encompasses the traditional town center of the small northeastern Vermont community of Wheelock. Located at the junction of Vermont Route 122 and Sutton Road, it includes the town common, town hall, and cemetery. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.