The West Iron County building trades program began in 1974, when Mr. Dan Re was hired to create the program. When asked how the program evolved over the years, Mr. Re responds, "The first year we built cabins for campers at Camp Batawagama, after that we started building homes. At first the homes were built and placed on bids for the community. After a few years we decided to build the house for an individual, that way the person can have their specific housing needs met."

Mr. Re is replaced by his former student, Jeff Swenski and his assistant Don Melchiori. Jeff is in his fifth year of teaching building trades. Student participation and dedication has been tremendous.West Iron County is proud of its building trades program and the benefits and skills provided to its students. An estimated 75 percent of building trades students go on to work in some area of the field. This year's Building Trade House is located at 808 ½ Pentoga Trail on Chicaugon Lake.

Building Trades is designed to develop job entry-level skills. Students use the methods, materials, and tools used in the building trades occupation. In addition to classroom work, a building will be built and erected on the site. The course content includes: (1) surveying, (2) estimating of materials, (3) concrete work, (4) building construction (from framing to finish work), (5) house wiring, (6) heating, and (7) plumbing job opportunities.