CTEC
Construction & Home Design
The mission at the Construction & Home Design program in CTEC, is to teach students how to operationalize and then monetize their public educations to prepare them for careers, higher education, and life.
What is Construction & Home Design?
The mission at the Construction & Home Design program in CTEC, is to teach students how to operationalize and then monetize their public educations to prepare them for careers, higher education, and life. We do this by teaching students the fundamental, educational, technical, professional, and networking skills necessary to achieve their goals.
Students enrolled in Construction & Home Design gain a competitive advantage as they learn industry-standard skills and knowledge through multiple construction projects—including construction of a home that is sold on the market (yes, our students build a home!)—in the CTEC shop and on a job site, open to the elements.
WARNING: This video contains flashing lights that may affect viewers with light sensitivity. CTEC is currently working to develop an alternative, ADA-compliant version.
Why
We want our students to be ready for whatever comes after high school. CTEC’s Construction & Home Design students have secured jobs and internships at multiple construction firms, businesses and state government agencies. Our students are ready to start their careers with the following industry-relevant skills and knowledge:
- An understanding of the construction process and timeline for building a home
- Safe operation of hand and power tools used in construction
- Industry safety training including ladder safety and fall protection
- Design, layout and frame walls
- The “envelope science” necessary to waterproof a home
- Applied mathematics and CAD skills to enhance residential construction
- Precision measurement skills needed to be successful in any construction-related project
- Jobsite skills by working on authentic projects in the community
- Plans reading
- Basic architectural planning and design
- Exposure to engineering planning and design
- Exposure to structural engineering
- Communications/ professional skill development
- Problem solving
How
Students in Construction & Home Design learn mathematics and English, contextualized to the industry-relevant projects and skills they’re learning. Students also develop a entry-level of CAD expertise. Students receive coaching and resources to explore career options they may want to pursue directly out of the program or with continued education. Coupled with the experiences they have throughout this program, they graduate with a plan, and the ability to adjust the plan throughout their career. With a foundation of industry-standard skills, rigorous construction related mathematics and English training and CAD skills, our students are ready to pursue their career dreams and goals.
Construction & Home Design Staff
Instructors
Curtis K. Fisher
Curtis K. Fisher attended McNary, Chemeketa and Western Oregon University. He has worked as an instructional assistant at the elementary level, and he has been at CTEC since 2018. Curtis owned and operated Oasis Contracting for 20 years prior to teaching. He was primarily an outdoor home improvement contractor, specializing in decks, fences, patio covers, water features and swimming pools. When asked what he likes most about CTEC, Curtis replied, “I cherish the mentor relationships I am able to develop with young professionals. I love the growth I get to see over a 2-year period. I also enjoy following the MANY successes that CTEC alumni experience after they leave the construction program.” Curtis enjoys family time, travel, wine tasting, cooking, socializing with friends on his patio and supporting the Oregon Ducks.
Rob Tinnell
Rob Tinnell earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University and his MAT from Willamette University. He worked from 1990-1993 as a Fire Protection Systems Engineer for Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. Rob taught science at Lakeridge High School for one year, and from 1995-2015 he taught Physics, Physical Science, Engineering and Computer Science at North Salem High School. He has taught CAD in CTEC’s Manufacturing and Construction programs since 2015. When asked his favorite thing about CTEC, he said “I have a fantastic team of creative, flexible, adaptable people who work together like a family to provide students unique opportunities to develop skill sets that are valued and needed in the 21st Century. Our students continue to amaze me with their dedication, hard work, and accomplishments as they move into the adult world. The bonds that we are able to create with our kids are strong and lasting.” When Rob is not at CTEC, he likes riding his horse, camping, fishing, skiing, working on home remodel projects, and spending time with family.
Laura Bronson, English and Social Studies
Laura Bronson earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Born and raised in Australia, she began her teaching career in 2016 and brings both international experience and a strong academic foundation to her work. Laura currently serves as the English and Social Studies teacher within the Residential Construction program at CTEC, where she helps students connect core academic concepts to real-world applications in the trades. By integrating literacy, communication, and social awareness into a career-focused environment, she supports students in developing the well-rounded skill sets needed for success beyond high school. Outside the classroom, Laura enjoys hiking, exploring the outdoors and travelling the world.
Instructional Assistant
Shane Travis
Shane Travis