Say hello to Mike Volet. Mike has just concluded a year-long internship where he worked in all three of our shops, as well as the office, to learn the ins and outs of the way Bensonwood builds. Mike is from Switzerland, a student at the Haute école spécialisée bernoise where he is getting his bachelor’s degree in technical wood engineering (Technicien en construction bois ES).
Beginning his journey at our production facility in Keene, Mike quickly adapted to Bensonwood’s unique production processes, immersing himself in our panelized, offsite construction practices. The foundational knowledge he gained there laid the groundwork for his transition to our woodworking and timber frame shops. In these roles, he expanded his expertise and developed a more comprehensive understanding of the company’s product range.
Mike’s commitment to hands-on learning didn’t stop in the shop – he spent two weeks on the road with our crew, helping to raise a Tektoniks Residential project in Maine. The experience gave him a tangible connection to the work and allowed him to apply his carpentry skills in a real-world setting.
As the year progressed, Mike joined the engineering team, where he worked on the other end of a project’s life cycle. Whether collaborating on design challenges or contributing new ideas, he became an integral part of the team.
His time at Bensonwood also offered him a chance to improve his English and gain a deeper appreciation for cultural and professional differences. He plans to apply what he’s learned from these experiences back home in Switzerland, and his future career in his family‘s carpentry firm.
Reflecting on his internship, Mike shared how much he valued the welcoming culture both within the company and in the local community. He was also able to take advantage of weekends and vacation days to explore much of the East Coast and make the most of his time in the United States.
We wish Mike the best in his future endeavors, and it was our absolute pleasure to work with him throughout 2024.
