GCC construction students ahead of schedule

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - Gogebic Community College's Construction Technology program is ahead of schedule this fall.

Students have been busy working on a ranch-style home on two levels with 3,500 square feet in north Bessemer.

GCC students are enrolled, along with high school students from Wakefield-Marenisco, Bessemer and Ironwood in the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District's vocational building trades program.

"At this point, the students have completed the foundation work, rough framing and the roof," said instructor Ray Niemi. They are ahead of schedule, as the goal was to complete the roof by mid-November.

"Their hard work and extra effort have brought the project to this point," Niemi said,

This week students began working with the electrical, mechanical and plumbing subcontractors. When building for a private owner, all subcontracts for the home go through the owner, while Niemi manages the delivery of materials and estimates.

"The goal by the end of the semester, which is mid-December, is to have the home enclosed with doors and windows so we can begin heating the structure, which is on track," said Niemi.

Niemi said Todd Hamel, Mt. Zion operations supervisor, provided the telescoping bucket truck for setting the trusses earlier this fall. "Without his help, we would not be at the point we are today," Niemi said.

Completion of the house is set for the first week in May. An open house for the community to view the project will be set.