Berrien RESA Highlights Construction Trades Program

Superintendent and instructor discuss the value of vocational education.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Berrien RESA, the regional educational service agency in southwest Michigan, is showcasing its construction trades program at Berrien Springs High School. The program is led by instructor Larry Jackson and features hands-on training for students interested in careers in the skilled trades.

Why it matters

With a growing need for skilled tradespeople, programs like Berrien RESA's construction trades offering provide valuable vocational education and pathways to in-demand careers. The program aims to address workforce shortages in the construction industry by exposing high school students to the trades.

The details

The construction trades program at Berrien Springs High School gives students the opportunity to learn a variety of construction skills, from carpentry to electrical work. Under the guidance of instructor Larry Jackson, students get practical, hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in the trades after graduation.

  • The construction trades program has been running at Berrien Springs High School for several years.

The players

Eric Hoppstock

Superintendent of Berrien RESA, the regional educational service agency overseeing the construction trades program.

Larry Jackson

Construction Trades Instructor at Berrien Springs High School, leading the hands-on vocational training program.

Berrien Springs High School Student

A student currently enrolled in the construction trades program at the high school, gaining practical experience in the skilled trades.

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What they’re saying

“We're proud to offer this construction trades program that gives our students real-world skills and a head start on careers in the skilled trades.”

— Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent, Berrien RESA (wsjm.com)

“My students get to work on actual construction projects, which gives them invaluable experience they can take with them after graduation.”

— Larry Jackson, Construction Trades Instructor, Berrien Springs High School (wsjm.com)

What’s next

Berrien RESA plans to continue expanding its construction trades program to meet growing demand for skilled workers in the region.

The takeaway

By providing hands-on vocational education, the Berrien RESA construction trades program is helping to address workforce shortages in the skilled trades and giving high school students a head start on in-demand careers.