James has a knack for networking and a passion for preserving historical structures. This powerful combination, paired with his applied technology education, is opening doors to valuable experiences including a rewarding summer internship, a mission-focused global experience, and a restoration project on the oldest state capitol in the nation.
Construction management and the overall construction industry is inspiring due to the leadership and organizational coordination needed to complete projects. There are many teams and leaders in construction, but what is most inspiring is watching folks come together to work as a team and new leaders emerge. As generations and technologies change, using traditional methods and employing technological advancements is interesting. This inspires me to be a life-long learner and leader in the workplace.
Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers. This class often covers content that allows us to better understand the building systems around us. Once you learn the technologies and features of buildings, it becomes something that is hard to not notice and something that we can appreciate.
Bradley Martin. His ability to connect with students, sharing lessons learned from owning a construction firm and various life lessons allows him to relay useful information to every student under his instruction.
I am proud of being a part of the 2023 GLB 299 class. We went to the Dominican Republic. Everyone was there to work and get the job done to build a house for a family. Before we traveled there, we raised money to purchase water filters to distribute too. In a nation where 3,500 people a week seek emergency treatment for bacterial infection, I knew we were making a sustainable difference. We all had a clear view of the goal and all the team members were looking to achieve it.
When I came to Penn College for an open house and listened to a student talk about the Construction Management major, I knew it was a rock-solid program with graduates that truly excelled in the workforce. Between my freshmen and sophomore year, I worked directly with that student who I had met at that open house and had since graduated but is now a valued asset as an assistant project manager at the company I interned with. It was a full circle connection!
Thank you for all you have done to make Penn College a modern learning environment that allows us students to continue the legacy of a hands-on technical education, equips us to be leaders in industry, and makes us marketable to more employers than we can ever imagine.
"My dream job is to work for a contractor or government department focusing on maintaining and preserving historical and culturally important structures and sites. Through the support of my instructors, Career Services staff members, and other faculty, I feel supported to pursue my interests and have been given the proper guidance to successfully network and build connections to get me to where I want to be."
James Fretz
Check out the Building PA Podcast with PCT Construction Management student James Fretz.
Students partnered with Mission 2535, a Christian organization prioritizing clean water, sustainable food, dignified health care and vocational training. The group focused its energy on the first pillar and also helped build a house; painted a youth jail; visited a juvenile rehabilitation center; handed out 13 duffel bags’ worth of coloring books, first aid kits, tools and medicines; and enjoyed frequent interaction with local families.
James was selected by Penn College’s Construction Management Advisory Committee for one of several Construction Management Scholarships, totaling over $10,000 in awards.
The 14th Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation Dinner & Auction raised a total of $141,000 for student scholarships at the college. James was among the students who assisted with the event including Jajuan Ramirez and Ally Moore.
Prepare for a rewarding career filled with opportunity.
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