Salem-Keizer Public Schools
National Champions — CTEC Construction and Design
![A group of young people in neon shirts and hard hats pose in front of a rustic wooden saloon with a construction site in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789073598/salkeizk12orus/z40jmye8u5yolxlm6nwe/os-ctec-design-build-1200x675.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1789073598/salkeizk12orus/z40jmye8u5yolxlm6nwe/os-ctec-design-build-1200x675.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1789073598/salkeizk12orus/z40jmye8u5yolxlm6nwe/os-ctec-design-build-1200x675.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1789073598/salkeizk12orus/z40jmye8u5yolxlm6nwe/os-ctec-design-build-1200x675.jpg","width":1200}])
At CTEC, the promise is to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand careers while developing professional skills, technical knowledge, and real-world experience. One of the primary ways students excel is through industry-related competitions, and CTEC’s Residential Construction and Home Design Program recently showcased what that dedication looks like on a national stage.
Early mornings and dedicated preparation
CTEC's Residential Construction and Home Design Program entered the Construction Industry Education Foundation’s annual Oregon Design Build Competition. While the competition took place in May, coaches Curtis Fisher and Shane Travis began holding practices back in January.
Eighteen young professionals came to school an hour early on Tuesday mornings and two hours early on Wednesday mornings for several months to plan, design, and practice. Sponsored by Fortis Construction, the team comprised a diverse group of first- and second-year students from across the program.
Designed to international standards
The students created the concept of a western-style playhouse, designed their structure, and practiced diligently to perfect their technique. The two-day timed competition required them to uphold the highest safety standards, collaborate effectively, make game-time adjustments, and solve problems under pressure.
Coaches Fisher and Travis, along with key industry partner Tim Johnson, expressed immense pride in how these young professionals faced every challenge by communicating and working as a unified team.
A historic national victory
Their hard work paid off when the team took first place in the state competition. Their 108-square-foot, western-style playhouse—built to international building code standards—was selected as one of only nine finalists out of 110 teams across the country to advance to the national level.
Following nationwide voting in June, the CTEC team was officially crowned national champions. These young professionals exemplify our district’s core value of excellence by setting high standards, supporting one another, and bringing pride to the entire community.