Back to School, Back to Building: Featuring Co-op Student Miller

As summer winds down and students across Massachusetts return to their studies, Green Leaf Construction is proud to highlight the importance of vocational education and skilled trades. This month, we’re celebrating one of our own: Miller, a co-op student from Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Monty Tech), who has been gaining invaluable experience as part of our team.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Monty Tech, Miller has been building his foundation in construction technology, studying everything from design principles to building methods. But classroom learning can only go so far—what makes Monty Tech’s program unique is the opportunity to step into real-world environments through co-ops.

By joining Green Leaf Construction, Miller is able to take that knowledge and apply it directly to job sites, preconstruction meetings, and project planning sessions. He’s learning how teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving come together to shape successful projects.

“Being here has taught me so much more than I could learn in a classroom alone,” Miller shared. “Everyone on the team has been supportive and willing to explain things as I go. It’s exciting to be part of something that I know will stand for years to come.”

Hands-On Learning in Action

At Green Leaf, we believe in learning by doing. That’s why co-op students like Miller aren’t just observers—they’re contributors. Whether shadowing seasoned project managers, walking active job sites, or collaborating with estimators during preconstruction, Miller is immersed in all phases of the building process.

This approach helps students see the bigger picture: how design decisions, customer needs, and on-the-ground execution all connect. It also allows them to build confidence and adaptability—skills that can’t always be taught in a classroom.

Investing in Growth with Individual Development Plans

One of the ways we support emerging talent like Miller is through Individual Development Plans (IDPs). These plans are tailored to each student or employee, identifying their strengths, growth opportunities, and career goals.

For Miller, this has meant exposure to areas of construction that align with his interests while also stretching his skills in new directions. With mentorship from Green Leaf professionals, he receives guidance not only on technical tasks but also on the soft skills—communication, teamwork, leadership—that are essential in today’s construction industry.

By combining structured development with hands-on learning, we’re able to give students a roadmap for growth while also letting them discover their passion areas within the industry.

Why Skilled Trades Matter

While the back-to-school season often shines a spotlight on four-year colleges, vocational schools and skilled trades programs deserve equal recognition. The construction industry is facing a growing demand for skilled professionals—carpenters, electricians, masons, project managers, and more.

Programs like Monty Tech’s co-op ensure that students are ready to step into these roles with confidence. And partnerships with companies like Green Leaf give them the chance to practice, experiment, and thrive in real-world settings.

Building Futures, Not Just Projects

By combining structured development with hands-on learning, we’re able to give students a comprehensive roadmap for growth while also allowing them the freedom to discover their passion areas within the industry. This dual approach not only provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills but also encourages students to engage actively with real-world applications of their learning. Structured development involves a carefully designed curriculum that outlines key competencies and milestones, ensuring that students acquire essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a systematic manner.

On the other hand, hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships, workshops, and collaborative projects, immerse students in the actual workings of the industry. These experiences enable them to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life situations, fostering a deeper understanding of their field. As students navigate through various tasks and challenges, they are encouraged to explore different roles and responsibilities, which can lead to the identification of their specific interests and strengths.

This blend of structured learning and experiential opportunities not only enhances student engagement but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As they tackle real-world problems, students learn to adapt and innovate, preparing them for the dynamic nature of the industry. Furthermore, by exposing students to a variety of experiences and perspectives, we help them build a diverse skill set that is essential for success in their future careers.

Ultimately, this approach empowers students to take ownership of their educational journey, guiding them toward a fulfilling career path that aligns with their passions and aspirations. By providing a supportive environment where structured development and hands-on learning coexist, we foster a culture of exploration and growth that benefits both the students and the industry as a whole. At Green Leaf Construction, we’re passionate about more than the buildings we deliver—we’re passionate about the people who build them. By welcoming students like Miller Backus, we’re not only helping prepare the next generation of construction professionals, we’re also strengthening the future of our industry.

As Miller’s journey shows, when education and experience come together, the results are powerful. And as everyone heads back to school this fall, we encourage students to keep their eyes open to the rewarding opportunities in the skilled trades.

The future is being built right now—and it’s in good hands.