Nailing It: High Schoolers Crafting Their Futures

Eric G is diving deep into a golden gem of a program called The Viking House, celebrating its 50th anniversary of shaping young minds in the construction trades. Chris Higginbotham, the maestro behind this high school initiative, shares how they’re not just building houses – they’re building futures, one stud and nail at a time. The program stands out by teaching advanced construction techniques while self-funding through the sale of the homes built by students. With a hands-on approach that gets kids out in the field from day one, it’s all about instilling a work ethic and pride in craftsmanship. So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just curious about the next generation of builders, this chat is a must-listen! The Viking House program at Forest Grove High School is a shining example of how hands-on education can shape the future of aspiring builders. In this engaging conversation, Eric G and Chris Higginbotham, the program's instructor, dive deep into the nuances of this 50-year-old initiative that not only teaches advanced construction techniques but also instills a strong work ethic in students. Chris shares his journey from construction superintendent to educator and emphasizes the importance of skilled trades in today's economy. He highlights how, unlike many school systems that have phased out vocational training, the Viking House continues to thrive, producing a new generation of skilled tradespeople who can step directly into lucrative careers without the burden of student debt. The episode showcases the program’s unique approach to teaching, where students apply for a coveted spot and work tirelessly to complete a house each year as part of their curriculum. They learn everything from framing to finish work, and Chris proudly notes that many alumni return to help mentor current students, creating a rich community legacy. The discussion is sprinkled with anecdotes that capture the spirit of the program, emphasizing the pride students feel when they see their hard work come to fruition and the life skills they acquire along the way. Takeaways: The Viking House program at Forest Grove High School has been a game changer for 50 years, teaching hands-on construction skills to high school students. Chris Higginbotham emphasizes the importance of work ethic and practical skills, preparing students for lucrative careers in the trades without student debt. Every year, students not only build a house but also learn essential lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and pride in craftsmanship. The program is self-sustaining; selling the houses they build funds future projects and keeps the kids learning without financial burden. Chris shares that the Viking House has successfully adapted to changing educational trends, advocating for the value of vocational training in modern education. The legacy of the Viking House is evident in its alumni, many of whom return to support the program and contribute to the construction industry. Links referenced in this episode: aroundthehouseonline.com fgvikinghouse.com monumentgrills.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Monument Grills Forest Grove High School PARR RODDA Paint Certainteed Roofing Stimson Lumber To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show. 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