Education can take many forms— whether it’s in a classroom, on a stage, or out in the community. One of the most hands-on and transformative programs in Centralia High School is the Building Trades Program, led by Chris Tyberendt, a seasoned carpenter who brings realworld experience into the classroom. But this program is about more than just learning how to swing a hammer— it’s about preparing students for life after graduation, one task, one job-shift, one project at a time.

A FOUNDATION OF SKILLS
The Building Trades Program, now reserved for seniors, gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical work, and construction. Over the course of the year, the class builds an entire house from the ground up—an achievement that few high schoolers can boast. “We call it Building Trades II, but the name doesn’t do it justice,” Chris says. “These students are learning how to wire homes, install windows, and put up drywall. We’re not just teaching them to build—we’re teaching them to build right.”

This year’s crew consists of 13 students, up from seven the previous year, and they’re already hard at work. As Chris explains, the program has grown because of its reputation for giving students real, employable skills. “We’ve started with siding this year, and by the time we’re done, they’ll have hands-on experience with everything from roofing to interior finishing,” Chris says.

For Chris, who spent 15 years as a carpenter before coming to CHS, quality control is key. “There’s a family who’s going to live in this house. When the students understand that, they take their work seriously. They know that what they’re building isn’t just a project—it’s someone’s future home.”

LEARNING BY DOING
Keaton Morgan, Codie Teaff, and Preston Jolliff are three of the students currently enrolled in the Building Trades Program, and each brings a unique perspective to the table. For Keaton, who is considering a future in the carpenters’ union, the class has already changed his career path. “Before I took this class, I thought I wanted to go into welding,” Keaton explains. “But now, I know carpentry is what I want to do. There’s something about putting everything together and seeing the final product that’s really satisfying.”

Codie took the class with a more practical goal in mind—he wanted to learn skills he could use around his own house one day. “I wanted to gain experience so I could fix things myself and save money,” Codie says. “But now that I’ve been in the class, I realize how much more there is to it.”

For Preston, the appeal of the program is its lasting impact. “One day, I’ll drive by this house and be able to tell my kids that I helped build it in high school,” he says. “That’s a pretty cool feeling—to know that what we’re doing will last.”

A REAL-WORLD EDUCATION
The Building Trades Program isn’t just about learning how to build a house— it’s about understanding the economics and logistics behind construction. Chris teaches his students to think about more than just the hammer in their hand. “We talk about the cost of materials, the time it takes to complete tasks, and how everything has to come together to make a project work,” Chris explains. “The students know that building isn’t just about the work—it’s about planning and teamwork.”

In addition to the house, the students have also built wheelchair ramps for local community members. One of these projects, shared on the school’s Facebook page, garnered over 2,000 likes and shares—an indication of how much the community values the program.

LOOKING FORWARD
As the year progresses, Chris and his students are focused on completing the house in time for the spring, when it will be sold to fund the next project. “This isn’t just a one-time thing,” Chris says. “We’re building a program that will keep going, and we want to make sure each house we build is better than the last.”

For students like Keaton, Codie, and Preston, the Building Trades Program is more than just a class—it’s a path forward. Whether they go into carpentry, welding, or other trades, the skills they’re learning now will serve them for years to come. “This class has given me options,” Preston says. “Whatever I end up doing, I know I’ve gained experience that I can use for the rest of my life.”

For the community, the Building Trades Program represents something bigger than just construction—it’s about building futures, one house, one sheet of OSB, and one student at a time.