Learning in a classroom is one thing. Learning in a real-world scenario where lives are on the line is something altogether different. Dylan Casey — a student at Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, Wisc. — recently found himself in that very situation, as he put the skills he was learning in his construction management technology program to the test in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
As an intern for The Boldt Company, Casey, 20, performed a vital role helping the company build temporary care centers for Aurora Health Care Wisconsin to support emergency room overflow due to rising cases of the virus. The projects — built at Aurora hospital locations in Green Bay, Marinette, Oshkosh and Two Rivers — included drive-thru testing facilities and overflow tents to treat patients. Amazingly, the entire construction was completed in less than two weeks.
In his second semester in Fox Valley’s construction management program, Casey served as a key liaison between construction workers and vendors in acquiring supplies. His work was a true example of the SkillsUSA Framework in action, covering Essential Elements like “Planning, Organization and Management”; “Responsibility”; “Professional Development” and more.
That’s not all. Casey intuitively realized his fellow students could learn from his experience, so he created a video highlighting various aspects of the project. His instructor, Rich Cass, used the footage (below) as an invaluable learning tool during online classes.
“Dylan’s instinctual leadership exemplifies the heart of technical education,” said Fox Valley spokesperson Chris Jossart. “Our students understand the value of taking initiative, because their skills are applied in hands-on, real world settings.”
