Students interested in becoming electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) technicians, construction engineering technicians, civil engineering technicians or building/construction finishers, managers and inspectors can gain handson experience through this pathway. Students can take part in industry mentorships, internships, microinternships and practical architectural construction experience.

Practical Architectural Construction (PAC) Program

Practical Architectural Construction (PAC) launched in 1985 as a home construction program that gives students the opportunity to work together to build one single-family home every two years. 

The program, a dual credit program with Triton College, offers hands-on experience in all areas of construction, from laying foundations to finishing structures. Under the supervision of program instructors, students get experience in such areas as demolition, flooring, cabinets, tile work, plumbing and electric. The program uses local subcontractors to handle concrete, heating and other more advanced areas. 

When the home is finished, it is sold and the proceeds go toward the purchase of a new house for the next project. Single family houses built through this unique program are located in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows and Wheeling. 

Students enrolled in PAC can also participate in SkillsUSA, a statewide competition for students involved in the trades. 

For detailed information on the history of the PAC program and past projects, click here.

Apply for PAC

Apprenticeship

District 214 set up the Youth Apprenticeship program to establish student apprenticeships with local employers. It is one of the first apprenticeship programs in the country to be created and managed by a school district rather than bringing in external organizations to run the program, according to Jobs for the Future, a leading workforce research organization. 

Apprentices are selected for the program in their junior year of high school. They get 20 to 30 hours a month of paid job training during the second semester in addition to college coursework and mentoring. During the summer, they work up to 28 hours a week to expand their skills. At the end of the program, students receive either a federally registered apprenticeship certification or a youth apprenticeship certification in addition to up to a year of college credits.

Apply for a Construction Trades Apprenticeship

Work Based Learning Experiences in Building Trades

Student interns have completed a variety of tasks in the Building Trades field, including, but not limited to:

• Reviewing, organizing and posting RFIs and Bulletins
• Learning and utilizing field instruments, such as a laser level, to accurately measure elevation at job site
• Reviewing and analyzing blueprints and project plans

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