Trade and technical schools have a long-standing reputation for providing students with practical, hands-on experience and real-world training in various industries. The partnership between Anderson I & II Career and Technology Center (ACTC) and Hill Electric exemplifies how such collaborations can greatly benefit students.
In a recent shed build project sponsored by Hill Electric, students enrolled in construction-related courses at ACTC had a unique opportunity to connect what they learned in the classroom with real-world scenarios they may encounter in the field. “We are trying to get students to experience as much as they can in the industry,” says John Cothran, Building Construction teacher at ACTC.
During the shed build, ACTC students worked collaboratively as a team to construct an outdoor shed designed for lawnmowers and motorcycles. They used the same tools and materials that are used on actual job sites, enabling them to acquire practical skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
By applying their classroom knowledge and gaining hands-on industry experience, students at ACTC graduate with a well-rounded set of construction skills that give them a significant advantage when starting their careers.
Building Construction teacher at ACTC, Victor Galea, explained that “Our program’s biggest benefit to students is giving them an opportunity to try out the trades in as close as we can get to a real-world environment.”
The partnership between Hill Electric and ACTC not only benefits the students but also the company itself. Hill Electric has a history of hiring graduates from ACTC’s trade programs, which is a testament to the quality of education provided by ACTC and the value of the real-world experiences that students gain through projects like the shed build.
When hiring ACTC graduates, Hill Electric gains skilled workers who already possess a foundation of knowledge and experience, while also supporting the growth of the local workforce. This ensures that there are enough skilled workers in the industry to meet the needs of the community, and also provides employment opportunities for those seeking to begin a career in the construction trades.
The partnership between ACTC and Hill Electric exemplifies the effectiveness of trade and technical schools in providing students with practical, hands-on experience. Through such collaborations, students at ACTC are well-prepared for successful careers in the construction industry. Hill Electric Vice President, David Wolke, explained that “We’ve really gotten a great deal of knowledge from the students on how to relate to them, what they value, and what skills they are looking to learn. It’s been a great partnership for us and a great partnership for them.” The shed build project allowed ACTC students to apply classroom knowledge and gain valuable industry experience, while also benefiting Hill Electric by providing skilled workers and supporting the local workforce.
