At Rockford, we’re not just constructing buildings, we’re building the future of our industry. That means investing in today’s students to ensure tomorrow’s construction leaders are equipped with the skills, experience and confidence they need to succeed. Our team is proud to support educational programs and real-world learning opportunities that help close the gap between classroom instruction and the jobsite.
Recently, Rockford was involved in the Clare-Gladwin Career & Technical Education (CTE) deer blind competition, where team members Jay Yearsovich and Todd Wilson served as judges for this fast-paced, hands-on event hosted by the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District (RESD). The competition brought together high school CTE students from across Michigan fora four-hour challenge to design and build functional deer blinds, applying their technical skills, teamwork and problem-solving under pressure.
Events like this do more than test student talent; they provide invaluable exposure to the real-world demands of construction and highlight the rewarding careers available in the trades. As judges, Yearsovich and Wilson evaluated the student-built structures on criteria such as safety, quality of framing, door and window installation, roofing and overall execution. The top teams were separated by just a few points, a clear reflection of talent on display.
“The skill level these students demonstrated was incredible,” said Todd Wilson, Rockford superintendent. “They’re ready to walk onto a jobsite and contribute on day one.”
Supporting programs like Clare-Gladwin CTE aligns directly with Rockford’s goal of empowering the next generation. With more than 500,000 construction jobs currently unfilled nationwide, it’s critical that we continue to cultivate interest in the trades and provide pathways for students to thrive. Through mentorship, internships and jobsite experience, we’re helping students turn education into opportunity.
Similarly, Mathew, a project engineer intern with Rockford and a Clare High School student currently enrolled in the CTE Construction Trades Program, is gaining hands-on experience that’s setting the foundation for a strong, stable career.
Read more about Matthew here.
By supporting events like the deer blind competition and investing directly in student growth, Rockford is helping lay the groundwork for a stronger future, both for the students entering the trades industry and for the construction industry as a whole. These students represent the next generation of builders, problem-solvers and leaders. When we invest in their development today, we’re building the talent, innovation and resilience our communities will rely on tomorrow.
