When asking the average high school student what career they have in mind for themselves, one may be greeted by a blank stare, except for those rare, focused young individuals who had it figured out at an early age. For those who are not among the enviable goal-oriented few, answers range from "junior college" to "work a few years and then decide what to do," to a pretty definite "duh." Some may not even complete high school, to be left to their own devices at a too-young age. But how many young people have actually voiced an interest in the construction trades? Carpenter? Framer? Stucco and Lathe tradesman? Electrician or plumber?

These trades and many others are screaming for fresh young talent, experiencing shortages all over the United States in these building boom days. With high demand can come decent paychecks as well, but most parents would not encourage their children to consider construction. What they may not realize, however, is that a construction career can be one of the more noble professions in which to work, if they are trained properly and take a craftsman's pride in what they do.

One program in Northern California that is succeeding in dispelling the myths about the trades is being run by the Sacramento County Office of Education, with other examples mushrooming up throughout the rest of the country. The Outreach Construction Technology Program is designed to help students complete their high school education and receive training in construction technology. The program was recently named a winner in the prestigious Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association, an honor not bestowed on any vocational program in the past ten years, according to James O'Malley, director or education for the county education office. According to O'Malley, the program helps the disadvantaged segment of the population, who may have dropped out of school, obtain entry-level jobs.

"It gave me a positive outlook on life to see a product I had my hands in, " says one young student, who just helped to complete a single story home in the Sacramento area. His self-esteem is now soaring, and he adds "I'm shooting for the stars." He is now studying for his GED test and hopes to land a job upon completion of the program.

In the past five years the Outreach Construction Technology Program has constructed 34 single-family homes in California's capital, beginning with its first graduating class of twenty students in 1994. Nearly all found immediate employment, and as of June, 1999, 145 students have graduated. 45 students obtained their high school diplomas, and virtually all have been placed in construction-related careers. The homes they build provide opportunities to stamp out neighborhood blight in some areas, as well as offer homes to first-time, low income buyers, according to Gregory Wessel, program manager for the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. "The houses will sell for about $95,000, and SHRA will offer incentives to first time buyers," adds Wessel.

The students who have worked on the various projects completed through the program have said they felt a sense of pride in seeing it through. Some students alternated between classroom instruction and practical construction applications. Among the subjects taught in class are math, technical reading, and GED preparation, safety and work ethics. Students earn $8 an hour while working on the houses.

"It's amazing," says one student/painter aged 44, who became part of the program after being repetitively laid off in other lines of work. "I can drive here years from now and say 'I did that'," when admiring the homes she helped complete. Indeed, the tangible results of a job well done can be around for many decades to come, instilling a pride and work ethic that is difficult to put a price on.

To find out about programs like these in your area, or to become active in their inception, contact your local Office of Education or Building Industry Association. Let's hope that with the new millenium will come countless opportunities such as this, making a difference to many young people who may otherwise have fallen into hopeless, low-paying jobs. With their learned skills, the housing industry comes out a winner as well, hungry for well-trained tradespeople, as the ever-changing tapestry of America continues to change before our eyes with fresh new homes.

Also See:

Published: December 29, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.