Students at Tyler ISD’s Career & Technology Center are gaining valuable hands-on experience and helping to raise the bar in plumbing education, thanks to a new student-built project designed to meet real-world industry standards.
Under the leadership of plumbing instructor Mr. Eschberger, Tyler High construction students Josue Vazquez, Alejandro Mondragon, and Bryan Cantu successfully designed and built a model two-story home in their Junior year—commonly referred to as a "dollhouse." More than just a classroom project, the miniature home replicates a full plumbing system and aligns with the rigorous standards set by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. These standards require applicants to demonstrate competency in installing a sanitary drain, waste, and vent system.
A key contributor to the project was Tyler High senior Nathan Gutierrez, a student enrolled in both Plumbing 2 and Manufacturing courses. Nathan utilized the school’s 3D printing technology to fabricate all necessary fittings for the house, bringing together innovation, technical skill, and precision manufacturing.
The completed model will now serve as an instructional tool at the Career & Technology Center. Plumbing 2 and Practicum of Plumbing students will use it as a practical testing ground in preparation for their certification exams, while Plumbing 1 students will use it to grasp foundational concepts of sanitary drainage systems.
Mr. Eschberger emphasized that the dollhouse project addresses a specific learning gap: “Many students who struggle with the Tradesman exam find the small house plumbing setup particularly difficult. This model directly targets that issue, reinforcing concepts in a tangible, memorable way.”
With its focus on real-world readiness and technical integration, the initiative reflects Tyler ISD’s continued commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the skilled trades. Through collaboration, creativity, and career-focused education, these students are building more than a model—they’re building a future.