Historic Renovation Meets Modern Education: A Wentworth Co-op at Brookline Fire Station 4
Kiera Dempsey at her Brookline Fire Station jobsite as part of a co-op with TRAC Builders (Video by Devlo Media)
When Construction Management student Kiera Dempsey ’27 stepped onto the site of Brookline Fire Station 4, she wasn't just observing the work, she was actively coordinating it.
Completing her first co-op with TRAC Builders, Dempsey is part of a team executing a comprehensive renovation of the 92-year-old firehouse. A major component of the project involves transitioning the building's fossil fuel systems to a modernized, all-electric HVAC setup.
At Wentworth Institute of Technology, students complete two full-time co-ops, allowing them to directly apply classroom learning to active job sites. For Dempsey, this opportunity meant immediate integration into the company.
"TRAC immediately welcomed me onto their team," Dempsey said. "They have been so supportive with my education and with giving me opportunities to shine."
Dempsey’s daily responsibilities on site include coordinating with trade partners, reviewing specifications, and managing project documentation. According to Steve McCarthy, MBA, Project Manager at TRAC Builders, Wentworth’s curriculum creates a seamless transition for students entering the industry.
"The co-op program really bridges the gap between the field and the classroom," McCarthy said. "Wentworth students are super prepared for the field because they come with such a technical foundation."
Dempsey credits her coursework with preparing her to navigate an active construction site with confidence, particularly her familiarity with industry-standard project software. She noted that arriving with that foundational knowledge encouraged her to break out of her shell, ask questions, and learn directly from the professionals around her.
McCarthy emphasized that the construction industry is heavily relationship-based, making hands-on experiences vital for developing the next generation of builders, project managers, and industry leaders.
As she helps bring a nearly century-old building into the future, Dempsey also shared a message for other young women looking to enter the field of construction management.
"If there was a younger woman entering Wentworth, I would tell her it's absolutely great to get yourself prepared to get into a field and succeed," Dempsey said.
Learn more about Wentworth’s co-op program and its Construction Management program