The Copper Country Intermediate School District’s (CCISD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) program has announced the continued success of its New Home Build Project in Houghton. Students enrolled in the CTE Construction Technology program are constructing a 1,770 sq. ft. home in Houghton that features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sauna, and a three-car garage—incredibly, nine months ahead of schedule from the original two-year projected build schedule.
From the start, the project has been more than simply building a house; it provides students with invaluable hands-on learning opportunities and plays a part in addressing the ongoing housing shortage in the Upper Peninsula.
State Representatives Dave Prestin and Greg Markkanen, along with State Senator Ed McBroom, and InvestUP/BuildUP CEO Marty Fittante, recently toured the construction site. They walked through the project and had a conversation with CCISD CTE leaders, program advisory committee members, and student representatives. In the main area of the house, they highlighted the goal of the CTE program: to fill future high-demand positions in skilled trades while offering students a one-of-a-kind experience to learn and work alongside experienced tradespeople.
“We’re not in the business of building homes; we’re in the business of training students and creating opportunity, creating careers,” said Corey Soumis, CTE Director for the CCISD. “This initiative has proven to be incredibly successful. The goal is to build a home every year if possible, continually expanding what is offered to students and enhancing our partnerships with our advisory committee and community.”
One of the most notable strengths of the project is the collaborative nature of its participants. According to Jim Rautiola, Superintendent of the CCISD, students from multiple high schools from throughout the Copper Country come together on a single job site, building teamwork and mutual support.
“Seeing students from schools across the Copper Country come together for a single project is one of the major benefits of the value of center-based CTE programs like this. Not only are they learning critical trades skills, but they’re also working together and supporting communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are experiences that will serve them in any career path they choose, and it’s gratifying to watch them support each other while building something incredible in their community,” Rautiola said.
Financial backing for the project is provided by BuildUP, a housing fund managed by InvestUP. BuildUP contributed a $200,000 loan at zero percent interest to support construction costs. Once the home is finished and sold - currently anticipated by this summer - proceeds will be returned to the fund, keeping the program self-sustaining and paving the way for future student-built homes.
Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP and BuildUP, underscored the broader significance of this collaboration:
“Investing in programs like this is exactly what we hoped it would be. It is creating a pipeline of skilled workers, addressing housing shortages in the Upper Peninsula, and ensuring communities continue to thrive. By making an initial investment that can be recycled back into the program, it allows the project to become self-sustaining - and that means more opportunities for both students and families across the region.”
During the visit, Representative Greg Markkanen highlighted the importance of offering high school students multiple career paths, especially in fields with increasing labor needs.
Representative Markkanen stated, “The CTE program is vital because it helps students gain meaningful skills that translate directly into the workforce. With ongoing shortages in many skilled industries, these students are preparing for in-demand careers that will support the local economy and allow them to stay in the Copper Country if they choose.”
Senator Ed McBroom also spoke about the significance of CTE at the state level, emphasizing that Michigan is actively seeking ways to open more career pathways for young people.
Senator McBroom remarked, “It’s clear that our workforce needs are evolving. We can no longer rely exclusively on the traditional four-year degree to fill all sectors of the labor market. Programs like this not only help address the housing crisis but also give students the tools and skills they need to thrive. From a state government perspective, it’s vital to support and expand CTE opportunities, so students can choose the path that best suits their talents and interests.”
Representative Dave Prestin underscored how critical it is to ensure students have access to hands-on, skilled-trade education. By teaching marketable skills, the CTE program prepares them for a direct transition into the workforce, bridging gaps in industries that are facing labor shortages.
With the completion and sale of the current CTE home in Houghton approaching, plans are already underway for the next build to be announced soon, hopefully in Hancock as well as in Baraga County. By continuing to offer new construction projects each year, the Copper Country CTE program is committed to strengthening ties between career-focused education and broader community development, cultivating a more robust future for the entire Upper Peninsula.
