This is a long one guys…
I just read in todays paper where a local high school has sort of canned its woodshop program and replaced it with a 4 year construction program designed in conjunction with the BIA. The students get the basics math, chemistry, english, history ect. and taught by a ex contractor turned teacher. The article states ( A RT readrs digest version of selected paragraphs)
” Part of the reason was a lack of enthusiasum for the trades. Students responded to a career survey “Of the 250 careers identified construction came in second to last” said Robertson , a senior vice president at California Pacific Homes. “The only group below was construction was farming”. Coincidentally, Jan Billings superntendant of Anaheim Unified School District was looking for a way to revive Katella High Schools out daed wood shop program. School Officials jumped at the opportunity to partner with BIA in a construction-trades academy.”
” Program officials considered themselves lucky in finding John Puckett 36, a former general contractor who turned to teaching- to be the instructor. “I had seen the need for skilled labor-it was becoming almost non exsistent. I was getting guys who couldnt even read a tape measure, said Puckett” recalling one of the reasons for his career change.”
At Katella Pucket works with 4 instructors who teach core classes in science, math, business, history, English and drafting. The building academy has about 90 students this year about 1/3 who have returned for their second year.
Pucket said its fun watching formerly uninterested students who often asked “Why do I have to know algebra or geometry or trigonmetry?” Then students are given a building academy assignment to determine the volume of concrete needed to fill a cylinder for a caison. “Thats when they get it”.
They also learn, plumbing, electrical,heating-ventilation.
Anyway I found this in the business section of the Orange County Register. I dont know if they have the article online but the kink is www.ocregister.com.
I dont know why other schools dont do something simular.
Think it is a great idea not only to fill a need but as a way for kids to learn something practicle that they can use after HS. That means be immediately employable.
Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me”
Replies
My local HS has a two year carpentry program. First year(9mos) you work on drying in the house, second year(9mos) you finish the house.
I was stoked when I read this cuz around here its almost dead, Im surprized the school still had a shop class. Most kids had to go to the ROP (regional occu[ational center) or a jr college to get any sort of training. im glad they are finally teaching kids something they can use. Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
This is what my children learn in construction class. These kids in the pictures are all new to construction and power tools. Please be gentle they are all young but fairly mean. The hot link goes to the Board of ed web site. Click on high school web site scroll down until you see house construction page.
http://www.gainesville-city.k12.ga.us/
Luke
Edited 10/7/2002 11:35:45 PM ET by luke
Id hire them to be my body guards. I guess its not unusual for HS to have a construction program. Here in SoCal it is. they dont even get into athletics until HS here. Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"