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How to become a carpenter Interested in a carpentry job? Here’s what you should know: Hard-working commercial carpenters are in high demand right now. Based on 2025 data, ex
MASTERY.
PURPOSE.
RESPECT.
Our Mission
"We build strong communities by preparing the next generation of construction professionals for lifelong careers."
Our Vision
The West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) will provide a pathway for individuals to pursue fulfilling, purposeful, and lifelong careers for the betterment of our communities. As a result, the West Michigan region will have a thriving, growing, and diverse commercial construction industry.
Meet the Team
west michigan construction institute staff
President
Jen Schottke
Vice President of Education
Tyler Huizenga
Student Services Manager
Jordyn Kapala
High School Instructor & Program Manager
Kyle Jelens
Communications & Event Manager
Maddie Eaton
Academic & Operations Coordinator
Daniela Villatoro
west michigan construction institute instructors
General Carpentry
Wes Braun
Electrical 4A
Joe Cleveland
Electrical 1A Instructor
John Edwards
Exterior Envelope 1
Terry Buschert
Electrical 3A
Matt Holmberg
Plumbing 3 Instructor
John Peer
Concrete 1
Trevor Gates
Electrical 4B
Shane Vander Boon
General Carpentry
Matt Smith
Electrical 2A
Paul Hayward
Sprinkler Fitting 4
Nick Burgess
Sprinkler Fitting 2
John Norton
Drywall 2
Ryan Decker
NCCER Electrical 1
Seth Risher
Plumbing 2
Sam Pennington
Electrical 3B
Steve Wolf
Concrete 2
Mark Meddaugh
Exterior Envelope 1
Justin Crafton
Electrical 2A
Mike Dietrich
HVAC
Jason Austin
Electrical 3A
Ron Mason
We're hiring!
Interested in joining a fun-loving, hard-working, and mission driven team? See what part you could play in making an impact on the construction community by checking out the open positions below:
West Michigan Construction Institute Impact Report: 2025 – 2026
The WMCI Impact Report is an overview of the institute's progress in the 2024 - 2025 academic year. View financials, student demographics, programming & more.
Jen Schottke Interview – eightWest Interview
WMCI president Jen Schottke was interviewed by West Michigan Woman on how we can fill the talent gap by helping more women realize their potential working in construction careers.