As construction progresses into the finishes phase at TCAT Jacksboro, Denark intern Wilder Vaughn is gaining hands-on experience in field coordination, safety, quality control, and construction documentation.
Wilder’s daily responsibilities include monitoring jobsite safety and PPE compliance, coordinating labor activities, reviewing drawings, documenting progress, checking completed work, and communicating with subcontractors. He also participates in Owner-Architect-Contractor and subcontractor meetings and has recently helped prepare daily logs.
Coordinating Above-Ceiling Work
Much of Wilder’s recent work has focused on ceiling grid installation and the mechanical, electrical, sprinkler, and fire alarm systems located above it.
While reviewing the administration area, Wilder identified a sprinkler head that conflicted with the framing for a light fixture. He coordinated with the sprinkler contractor to have it relocated before the ceiling work continued.
He also reviewed HVAC diffuser and return installations, noting areas where ductwork needed additional insulation to prevent condensation from damaging the completed ceiling system.
To prepare for upcoming inspections, Wilder developed an above-ceiling observation list using reflected ceiling plans, sprinkler drawings, fire alarm drawings, and project specifications. He is working with the project team and engineers to confirm that incomplete or noncompliant items are addressed before ceilings are closed.
Protecting Finishes and Reviewing Quality
As finished materials are installed, Wilder has helped monitor their quality and protection.
He supervised preparation for dry-fall painting in high-ceiling areas, where floors and nearby materials must be covered to prevent damage. He also coordinated with the flooring subcontractor to protect newly installed luxury vinyl tile in accordance with the project requirements.
Additional quality-control activities have included reviewing handrail corrections, checking sidewalk and entry-landing formwork, observing concrete placement, and coordinating mechanical and electrical rough-in around roll-up doors.
“I’m learning that small field decisions can affect several trades. Reviewing drawings, identifying conflicts, and coordinating solutions before the next phase begins helps keep the work moving.”
Solving Field Conditions
Wilder has also helped address several conditions requiring coordination between trades.
During epoxy flooring preparation, he worked with the plumbing contractor to confirm that floor drains were set at the correct elevation while maintaining the required drainage slope.
When moisture damage was identified near the bottom of several drywall partitions, Wilder documented the issue, prepared an incident report, and monitored the affected areas while the project team evaluated the cause and corrective action.
He also coordinated the removal of moisture-affected soil beneath a future sidewalk after testing determined that unsuitable material needed to be removed before concrete placement.
Learning Through Responsibility
Through these assignments, Wilder is seeing how individual systems and trades affect one another. Ceiling layouts influence sprinklers, lighting, HVAC, and fire alarm work. Door installations affect nearby rough-in. Floor elevations affect both plumbing and finish installation.
By reviewing drawings, asking questions, identifying conflicts, and helping coordinate solutions, Wilder is developing a broader understanding of construction management and the detailed planning required to move a project toward completion.
Denark’s internship program gives emerging construction professionals opportunities to contribute directly in the field while learning from experienced project teams.
“Each day at TCAT Jacksboro gives me more responsibility and a better understanding of what it takes to move a project from the drawings to a completed building.”