SME Inspires the Next Generation of Trades Professionals

As we POWER into Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, our IES family is proud to support and promote CTE programs that equip students with hands-on experience for a successful career in the trades. To celebrate, Shanahan Mechanical and Electrical met with construction and engineering students at Lincoln Northwest High School, offering resources, industry insights and inspiring students to pursue real-world opportunities in the field.

SME Project Manager Jill Sydik and VDC Manager Jason Zona led an open discussion with Intro-to-Architecture students, sharing their expertise, personal experiences, and real SME project examples to stir up excitement and highlight how the skills that kids are developing in the classroom directly apply to real construction operations. With a bunch of pictures, drawings, and renderings, Jason guided students through SME’s BIM technologies and touched on how Revit, a tool the students are already familiar with, plays a significant role in drafting and modeling successful projects. Students were especially excited to learn the extent of SME’s involvement in local projects, from the intricate restoration work at the historic Nebraska State Capitol to the cutting-edge renderings of the Husker Football Stadium—a thrilling topic in a state where they say Husker Football is the second-biggest religion.

“The kids were really intrigued even for an early morning 8AM class,” says shop class instructor Jamie Policky, “it brings a whole new meaning to what we’re trying to teach here when a local professional comes in encourages students, validates their efforts, and says ‘Hey, there’s a gap here that needs to be filled.’”

After walking students through construction processes from the initial project designs to the final installation of our systems, Jill spoke to the complexities of commercial construction and her progression to leadership, emphasizing the many pathways to success in the trades. “Having both of them here was a great peek behind the curtain and a good reflection of the real world. It confirmed to students that there’s flexibility in the trades, and plenty of opportunities for career advancement.”

In addition to speaking with construction and engineering students, SME furthered its commitment to career and technical education by providing both financial and material support to the school’s SkillsUSA chapter—a national organization that prepares students for a career in trade with hands-on competitions, leadership development, and industry-driven training. Throughout the academic year, Lincoln Northwest’s SkillsUSA students meet twice a week after school to build foundational skills in manufacturing, welding, robotics, construction, diesel repair, and electrical work, honing their expertise in two specific industries as they prepare for the end-of-year state competition. With each student competing individually, and 114 competitions to choose from at the culminating event, students have the opportunity to put their skills to the test in real-world scenarios that mirror industry expectations.

Thank you, SME, for helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities. With advocates in the classroom and guidance from industry professionals, Lincoln Northwest’s students are well on their way to a future where their talents and hard work intersect for ultimate success.

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