Architectural Technology student’s high school passion turns into industry practice

Jackson Ellis found his passion for architecture and technology in the classroom at Winneconne High School. After graduation, Ellis wanted to enroll in an architecture program that uses the same technology as industry.

That’s when he stumbled upon NWTC’s Architectural Technology program.

“I found that [NWTC’s] program was a two-year program which was super nice for me, being able to get to the industry sooner,” Ellis stated.

In the classroom, Ellis values the accessibility he and other students in the Architectural Technology program have to augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), laser scanners, and more. Students can use VR headsets to “step into” the models they created on their computers. This allows them to visualize the space they created and make real-time changes.

"By using this technology, we can identify issues within the model before the building is constructed,” Ellis said.

In addition to his classroom experiences, Ellis is actively involved in the Architectural Technology Club at NWTC. The club offers students the chance to visit construction sites and see firsthand how the building process unfolds, enhancing their understanding of the industry.

Ellis’s drive to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice didn’t stop there. During the summer of 2023, he was a Virtual Construction Intern at Miron Construction, where he applied his classroom knowledge to real-world projects. His internship experience extended into the school year and continued through this past summer, giving him a deeper understanding of the construction industry.

“It was super beneficial to actually get industry experience before going out on the job,” Ellis remarked. Now, as he looks forward to graduating in May, Ellis is actively seeking a position in virtual construction.

Check out more of Ellis’s experience with NWTC’s Architectural Technology program and the advice he provides for students: