Building Futures: Sussex Consortium and Schell Brothers Launch Job Shadowing Program for Students
What happens when a local builder with heart teams up with a school full of bright, determined students? You get something pretty special.
This spring, the Sussex Consortium and homebuilder Schell Brothers joined forces to launch a brand-new job shadowing program designed to give high school students a real-world look at careers in construction, design, and business.
Over the course of March and April, three students from the Sussex Consortium spent time with Schell Brothers professionals, learning how houses go from blueprints to dream homes. The students shadowed the team two days a week for three weeks, spending three hours per session exploring different departments—from accounting and architecture to on-site construction.
Each week, the students rotated roles to get a better understanding of how each part of the company plays a part in building a home. They met with trade partners, took photos of homes in progress, and saw how the team keeps homeowners updated throughout the building process. They also learned how new developments start on paper, got a crash course in the Blackpoint software used in planning, and saw firsthand how accounting helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Real Work, Real Impact
Steve Kilby, a teacher at the Sussex Consortium, said the program was about more than just observation—it was about showing students what’s possible.
“Several of my students have been talking about jobs and careers that take specific training or even a degree,” said Kilby. “I wanted them to see how those skills are used in the real world. Schell Brothers has always been a generous part of our community, so I reached out. We’re so thankful they saw the value in our students and said yes.”
Schell Brothers was equally excited to welcome the students and help them get a feel for real work life.
“We’re honored to work with Cape and the Sussex Consortium to help provide students with experiences that can inspire future goals,” said Alyssa Titus, Director of Marketing for Schell Brothers. “It’s a powerful reminder that talent and ambition come in many forms, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
Looking Ahead
This job shadowing program is part of the Cape Henlopen School District’s broader mission to give students more than just classroom knowledge. By partnering with local employers, schools are helping young people explore real career paths, build confidence, and get inspired for what comes next.
Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of more hands-on, heart-forward programs that help shape futures right here in Sussex County.
