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Editor’s note: First names only are being used for students at the request of the school.

By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Chilton County students wanting to pursue a career in construction, renovation or building repair have opportunities to set a foundation for their skills through the Building and Construction program at LeCroy Career Technical Center.

Noah, a junior in the program, said he was interested in taking the building class because he had several family members that worked in the field.

“I wanted to get to know the more technical side of it,” Noah said.

His interest is in residential construction.

He said he enjoys the hands-on projects that the students complete in the class.

A recent project had students framing a miniature house.

“It is pretty much exactly how you would build a house, except it is just smaller … the studs are exactly how it would be constructed, the processes that we used,” Noah said.

Noah plans to attend college and pursue jobs in carpentry and construction on the side.

Claire, a senior in the program, said she also has family members that work in construction-related fields.

She said she enjoys the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing projects in the class and gaining hands on experience.

“I know it is not the same as it would be in a real work place, but it is like a test drive,” Claire said.

She said her first year in the program focused on how to use the basic tools.

The Building and Construction program at LeCroy Career Technical Center is taught by Robert Pittman. Pittman has experience in the industry working for Battle-Miller Construction. He has taught the course for two and a half years.

The program focuses on safety throughout each of the topics, including architectural design, construction, building repair and installation of flooring, windows, doors, etc. as well as using power tools.

Pittman said another focus throughout the program is taking accurate measurements and how to read a tape measure at a glance.

“Businesses within the community often seek out Career Tech 2nd year Building and Construction students for employment opportunities,” LeCroy assistant principal Alfredia Shavers said. “Students who have completed the program are employed at various businesses throughout our area.”

Students in the program complete the requirements to test for OSHA-10 and NCCER Level 1 credentialing. Students can also choose to take the Caterpillar Forklift training.