TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Some Vigo County students are trading in their backpacks for hard hats.
It is all part of the Building Trade Pathways offered by the Vigo County School Corporation.
On one early morning in Terre Haute, while many students are in class, a select group of kids are in a much different kind of classroom; one with walls they build with their own hands.
“For learning something you want to purse after high school, it’s great to get that hands on ability, but, I think, depending on the career, it’s fine being in classes. But, I think, for me, this is the best route for me,” explains Sydney Jewell, a junior at South High School, participating in the Building Trades Program.
She continues, “The houses in Sugar Grove are mostly built by students. So, it’s nice to see the past students, what they built. Event if it’s more extravagant than what we’re building today. It’s nice to know we are building a home for someone else.”
Doug Dillion oversees the Building Trades Program. He says, “They have a very clear, defined path. They want to go into the Carpenter’s Apprenticeship Program and, this class actually gives them credit toward that program and actually knocks a year off that program.”
Because it’s a construction class, the majority of students who participate are young men but Jewell says that is changing. “I was fearful I was going to be the only girl but, knowing there’s another girl in the class that sounded amazing to me.”
In fact, more women are joining the building trades and that’s good news for an industry that’s struggling to attract new talent.
“There’s a real need,” Dillion explains. “You can ask any contractor, any of the union trades related construction, they’ll tell you there’s a shortage.”
A shortage — Jewell hopes to help fill, all while encouraging other females to chase their dreams.
“You should try to do something you love. Especially if you love how it makes other people feel, not just you because, it’s the best feeling to know I’m building a home from someone else and they’re going to love it there. So, I say, try your best and don’t let anyone hold you back.”
Dillion says, once this home is complete, they will sell it and use the profits to pay for the next home build project.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Building Trades Program offered by VCSC.