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photo by Samantha Hurst
Leroy Hunt (Left) guides a saw through plywood as classmate Matt Mangham (Right) holds the wood steady. The class sells dog houses and furniture to fund more projects.
Building students’ futures
Published Tuesday, November 18, 2008
COLUMBIANA — The nails students hammer into sheets of plywood at Shelby County’s School of Technology piece together more than just birdhouses these days.
Instructor Tom Edwards said he’s trying to increase numbers in the schools carpentry program by offering a detailed look at the world of construction.
“We’re doing a lot of different things with the program — building furniture and building small-scale buildings,” Edwards said. “Just to get the kids interested.”
Students in the carpentry program get literal hands-on training by building wheelchair ramps, tailgating games, doghouses and Adirondack chairs.
Senior Robert Terry is in his second year with the program.
“I wanted to learn how to build houses because my ultimate dream is to build my own house,” Terry said. “I like working with tools and knowing how to build stuff.”
Edwards and his 14 students expect to complete work on an 8x8 utility building this week. The building can be purchased for $1,000, all of which will go back into the program to finance future projects.
The next task pairs carpentry students with the Alabama 4-H Center to build a floating dock. Partnerships like these keep the program running. Businesses such as BE&K, Alabama Power and the General Contractors Association of Alabama provide resources to the school with the hopes of finding workers already skilled in particular trades.
“My stepdad is a homebuilder and I’ve been around construction for seven years, which let me see how much money is in it,” said junior Jordan Champion.
The program itself is in a rebuilding stage, Edwards said. He wants to attract more students and show them that they can make a good living in the profession. The carpentry class is an element of the Construction Academy, which also offers classes in electrical and welding work.
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Comments
Posted by AmyJowers (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We are always hearing what is wrong with our schools. Well this program is just one of the many at the School of Technology that is really the opposite. My son in the Public Service class (learning about Police and Fire careers). All the teachers are just awesome. The Board of Education needs to look long and hard at this school. It is a shining example of how school should be. They should also not limit the learning experience by what is allowed in the regular high schools. These classes need to experience what is expected in their career. I mean, not allowing an axe on the emblem(which is standard for fire-fighters) because "some-one might feel it is violent" is a bit ignorant to the aspects of the career field.
Posted by dee (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These students are learning skills that can be used in their jobs,to aid the community, and for personal use for a lifetime.Too many times we as educators fail to remember that a college education is not necessary for a person to have a great career. There will always be a need for builders,mechanics, plumbers,welders,firemen,policemen,and electricians while there are many people with college degrees without a job! More emphasis and attention should be given to programs like this.
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