NICC Building Trades Students Debut Expert Craftsmanship at New Home Build

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. CALMAR — The culmination of months of precision framing, intricate wiring and dedicated teamwork was on display Friday as Northeast Iowa Community College hosted its Building Trades Open House. The event was held at the home students worked alongside faculty to build and wire from the ground up at 501 Main St. The project served as a collaborative "live lab" for NICC carpentry, commercial-residential electrician and industrial electrician students. Community members, local contractors and families toured the property, which stands as a testament to the technical education provided by the college. Building a Skilled WorkforceThe project highlighted the partnership between the carpentry program, led by instructor Brian Ondrashek, and the electrical program, led by instructors Codey Hayek and Luke Wolfs. Ondrashek and his carpentry students built the home from the ground up, while electrical students ensured the project met modern electrical standards. "Students in the program get to work on the house before concrete is poured and see it through all the way to the very end of the project," Hayek said. "The house project gives them real-world scenarios that happen, things such as miscommunication, faulty devices or building plan changes. It is a great chance for the students to grow in ways that you can't learn from reading a book." Hayek, a 2014 graduate of the program, said the hands-on nature of the house project attracts students from across the state, some of whom bypass other programs to attend NICC. He said the electrical program is experiencing its largest growth to date, with projected fall 2026 enrollment nearly triple what it was four years ago. Many students in the carpentry program are high school seniors seeking building trades experience before deciding on a career path. "The students tackle a rather large commitment when they begin the program," Ondrashek said. "In mid-June, we are staring at an empty lot and 10.5 months later, a house has been built and is ready to move into. That is quite the crash course into learning residential construction skills. Hats off to all of our students who braved the weather conditions and the time commitment to complete the house project." A Community StapleThe "house project" has become a fixture in Calmar. For nearly 60 years, students have built affordable homes across the region, with most located within Calmar city limits because of the site's proximity to campus. "I can talk to someone who graduated 20 or 30 years ago and their first question is always, 'Where's the house project at this year?'" Hayek said. "These projects are really a staple in northeast Iowa communities and the college itself." In recent years, the program has shifted toward smaller, handicap-accessible housing to address demand in small towns for affordable, low-maintenance homes. During the 2026-27 academic year, students will complete the second side of the duplex they began this year. Ethan Falck, who completed the carpentry program and graduated from Decorah High School this spring, plans to return in the fall as a student in the electrical program. "I figured carpentry would be something good to add to my resume and a way to learn some new skills that will help me with electrical as well," Falck said. "After I finish the electrical program, I plan to continue working with Decorah Electric, where I already have a job." Community Partners and SupportersCollege officials thanked past homeowners whose projects have provided hands-on experience for generations of students. This year's build was supported by several local contractors and businesses, including Blaine Kurth Pumping, Bruening Rock Products, Croell Redi Mix, DH Construction, Jason Wenthold Construction, L&S Supply and Rental, Marv Smith Electric, Plumbing and Heating, Northeast Iowa Backhoe Services, Ossian Lumber Company and Superior Building Center. Students interested in the carpentry, commercial-residential electrician and industrial electrician programs can learn more at NICC programs.