When James enrolled in the Transportation Alliance for New Solutions (TrANS) program in March 2015, (the program now called Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST)) he brought one thing above all else: determination.
From day one, James claimed the middle seat in the front row of his 14-member class, a clear signal to his instructors that he meant business. Six weeks later, that focus paid off when James graduated at the very top of his cohort.
Shortly after completing the program, James joined Verhalen Construction as a Pre-Apprentice Carpenter. Within six months, his strong work ethic helped him outpace his peers and earn full apprenticeship status. His career continued to build momentum. After a brief stop with Miron Construction, he achieved Journeyman Carpenter status in 2021 with the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, contracted through H. J. Martin & Sons.
Since then, James has helped shape the skylines and communities across Wisconsin and Michigan. His craftsmanship can be seen in projects such as the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, the Fox Valley Expo Center in Appleton, the Hotel Northland remodel, and the Theda Clark Medical Center emergency department in Neenah. From Madison to Beloit and Oshkosh to Brimley, James has embraced every opportunity to grow — viewing travel as part of the adventure that comes with building something lasting.
James’s story reflects the enduring strength of the program that helped launch his career. What began as TrANS is now known as Highway Construction Skills Training, but the mission remains the same: to provide hands-on, real-world training that connects motivated individuals to rewarding careers in the trades.
