A Success Story to Build OnWhen the Careers in Construction program was launched in August of 2015, District 2’s Career Readiness Academy instructor Jeff Stuber was hoping for even one success story for the coming year to prove the program could be fruitful. He got much more than that. With the first school year now in the books - and with 19 certificates of completion, a victory at a district competition, and graduates to show for it - the students proved that their success stories are just beginning.
Careers in Construction, a non-profit workforce development program, gives local high school students pathways to success in the building trades or beyond, whether they choose a trade school, a traditional college, or direct employment. The program was created by and is supported by the HBA and Associated General Contractors of Colorado. District 2 piloted the program in the fall of 2015 at its Career Readiness Academy, and District 49's Patriot Learning Center came on board in January 2016. Each followed the Home Builders Institute (HBI) curriculum, in which students are introduced to the tools and basic skills for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and carpentry. It was a year of learning new things – for both the students and the instructors. “I learned a lot about my school, HBI, the HBA, a number of very giving contractors, and especially my crew of students,” said Stuber. District 2's highlights from the year included:
District 49's highlights from the year included:
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Quick LinksCareers in Construction
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There are many people to thank for making this program possible. On average, 75% of permit payers in El Paso County have helped with funding by contributing additional fee amounts for residential permits. From the HBA members who donated tools and materials, to those who funded the program through permit fees, to the instructors who were willing to tread new territory with these students – all of them were critical players in this endeavor.
In-kind Donors for 2015-16 included: BMC Building Materials, Brooks Brothers, Robbins Roofing, D & J Electric, Century Communities, Team Plumbing, Nunn Construction, Champion Plastering, Rusin Concrete, Lowes, Homerun Electronics, Wetherbee Drywall, Timberline Landscaping, IBEW Local 113
In-kind Donors for 2015-16 included: BMC Building Materials, Brooks Brothers, Robbins Roofing, D & J Electric, Century Communities, Team Plumbing, Nunn Construction, Champion Plastering, Rusin Concrete, Lowes, Homerun Electronics, Wetherbee Drywall, Timberline Landscaping, IBEW Local 113
Both districts will continue the program for the 2016-17 school year, and District 11’s Mitchell High School and District 2’s Atlas Preparatory High School are joining them. As the program continues to grow and be fined tuned, there’s no doubt that the list of success stories will grow right along with it.
For more information on the Careers in Construction program contact April Hess at april@cshba.com.
For more information on the Careers in Construction program contact April Hess at april@cshba.com.
