News
Lighting the Trail | Scott Theilig | Construction and Cabinetmaking Instructor
January 27, 2026
For more than two decades, Scott Theilig has guided students entering the skilled trades at Northwood Technical College. A faculty member for 26 years, Theilig teaches in the Construction and Cabinetmaking program, including construction and drafting, at the Rice Lake campus.
A Rhinelander native, Theilig’s journey into education began as a student himself. He completed the Wood Tech program at what is now Northwood Technical College in 1992 before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Stout to pursue education. After graduating, he accepted his first teaching position in Iowa before returning to Wisconsin to teach at Northwood Tech, a place he has proudly called home for more than two decades.
Outside the classroom, Theilig enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He also spends his free time fishing, hunting and working in construction during the summer months—interests that closely align with the hands-on skills he teaches.
Theilig’s educational background demonstrates both industry expertise and a strong foundation in teaching and leadership. He holds a vocational diploma in Wood Technics from Northwood Technical College, a bachelor’s degree in adult education from UW–Stout and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Fielding Graduate Institute. That blend of experience supports his focus on carpentry and his commitment to passing that knowledge on to students pursuing careers in the field.
Theilig grounds his teaching in real job-site expectations and practical application.
“My approach to teaching my students is 100% hands on and real life,” he said. “When we are at the job site, I treat it like a real job site and have very high expectations. I also emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication, which are just as crucial as technical skills.”
That approach takes shape through large-scale, real-world projects that allow students to apply their learning beyond the classroom.
“What excites me the most is that we get to build a house for the program,” Theilig said. “There are not many programs that can say they do that. When the students graduate, they leave behind a house that they have built for a family.”
Moments of impact often come when students take ownership of their work and share it with others.
“One moment that really sticks with me is having a past student step up for the past two years and be a program house sponsor and supply us with a house project to build,” he said. “Another moment that stands out is seeing former students come back to the open house excited about the projects and continuing to support the students who come after them.”
When asked what advice he would give students considering a career in construction or cabinetmaking, Theilig keeps it straightforward.
“My advice to our students is to work hard and be passionate about this field,” he said. “Your successes will come.”
The Construction and Cabinetmaking program at Northwood Technical College prepares students for high-demand careers in the construction industry through a hands-on, project-based approach. Students learn building design, layout, print reading, estimating, related math, cabinet construction, CNC operations and industry materials while applying recognized safety practices and sustainable building methods. Using industry tools and technology, students gain real-world experience by building furniture, cabinets and structures—including a custom home—under the supervision of experienced instructors.
Beyond the classroom and job site, the program has built a strong reputation on the national stage. For the past 26 years, Construction and Cabinetmaking students have participated in SkillsUSA competitions, earning multiple first-, second- and third-place finishes at the national level in both carpentry and cabinetmaking.
Through hands-on learning, real projects and strong connections to industry standards, Theilig continues to support students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
