Why Shop Class Matters | Beyond the Breaker Podcast

EAGAN, MN – May 7, 2026 –

In this episode of Beyond the Breaker, we sit down with Jeff Davies, a 31-year veteran teacher at Roseville Area High School. Jeff, a 2019 Teacher of the Year finalist, shares how his woodworking and construction technology classes are transforming students’ futures by teaching real-world skills and opening doors to lucrative careers in the trades.

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Why Shop Class Matters

Jeff’s passion for trades education is clear as he discusses how his classes, from introductory woodworking to advanced projects like furniture and canoes, give students hands-on experience and career skills in state-of-the-art facilities at Roseville.

He emphasizes to his students that trades are a legitimate and rewarding career path. “You can install cabinets and make a ton of money,” Jeff explains, encouraging them to explore their passions and think beyond the four-year degree.

Real Life Impact

Jeff’s classes go beyond woodworking, teaching students critical employability skills like punctuality, communication, and problem-solving. “In my class, you’ve got to be here on time every day,” he says, preparing students for the expectations of the workforce. He also works to connect students with career exploration opportunities that they may not have considered, such as construction management and hands-on trades.

He shared the story of a former student, a refugee whose American dream was to eat six apples a day. Today, that student is a union carpenter with a pension and medical insurance. “He’s probably making more than I am now,” Jeff says, reflecting on the life-changing opportunity of trades education.

Watch or listen to the full episode of Beyond the Breaker on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.