Building a future of her own: SUNY Morrisville student finds her place in residential construction

Ella Congdon steps back, surveying the wall she and her classmates have just framed - one section of a house they're building indoors.

It's one part of a larger, fully immersive experience that places the SUNY Morrisville residential construction student in every stage of the build, from framing to plumbing, insulation and electrical, as the structure takes shape in the lab.

Congdon sees the work as more than just building walls. Her experience reflects a broader shift in the industry, where more women are entering and excelling in skilled trades. During Women in the Trades Month, stories like hers highlight that growing presence and the impact it's making.

For Congdon, residential construction is all about bringing a project to life.

"I love to watch a project start small and come together," she said. "What I really like about this program is that you're not just sitting in a classroom. We learn something and get to apply it."

Congdon chose the residential construction program at SUNY Morrisville for its emphasis on practical experience. Students gain exposure to a wide range of skills while working on real projects.

"Professor Gridley takes us on actual job sites where we are learning the trade in the field," Congdon said. "I have worked on slabs for a garage and a porch, taken down a chimney and learned about plumbing and electrical."

Experiential learning has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program. This semester, Congdon and her classmates are focused on a 15.6-by-44-foot house they're been building in their lab - a project designed by Michael Gridley, associate professor of residential construction. When it is complete, the structure will be transported to a family in Madison.

The ambitious project goes beyond construction practice. It is a lesson in teamwork, problem-solving and applying classroom concepts to real-world situations.

"I wanted a project that would give them a different experience," Gridley said of the small house, which does not fall under the category of a tiny house.

Students typically work off-site on community renovation projects in Gridley's Construction Planning & Management lab, which meets for seven hours on Fridays. In addition to gaining experience in framing, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, siding and insulation, they are also learning how to measure and cut materials precisely and work within budgets. That versatility, paired with real-world experience, makes graduates highly sought after in the industry.

Congdon arrived at SUNY Morrisville with a bit of a head start, having grown up helping her father in his construction business. While many children were playing with toy houses, she was learning to use real tools, laying the foundation for a future in construction.

Reflecting on those early lessons, she said, "My dad used to say if you want it done, do it. I always like to be moving, and in this field, we are always doing something different."

That hands-on, can-do attitude has stayed with her, and though the field has historically been male-dominated, Congdon said her journey has been one of support and encouragement.

"Our professor treats us all the same," she said. "We are one big family and team. It is like going to work at an actual job."

In that environment, Congdon has found support and confidence. Her advice for other women considering a similar path is simple: "Be confident and don't ever get discouraged."