Perhaps there is no better way to learn about one’s future career than on-the-job training. Hands-on is an approach that Sampson Community College has employed constantly to give students real-world experience in their career paths. Nowhere else is that more prevalent than in the college’s Building Construction Technology program.
“The students are putting the finishing touches on the slab that will serve as the flooring in a new building here on campus,” says Barney Grady, Division Chair of Construction, Industrial, and Agriculture Technology at SCC. “But what we are really doing at the same time is allowing these students to come in, and from the ground up, plan and build a real facility that requires the same skill set that they will use in the workforce when they graduate.”
The Building Construction Technology curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the fields of architecture, construction, construction management, and other associated professions. Course work includes instruction in sustainable building and design, print reading, building codes, estimating, construction materials and methods, and other topics related to design and construction occupations.
“It’s great to watch,” adds Grady. “We get students that come in, looking to learn, and we are able to transfer that motivation and apply it to real world principles. They aren’t building a practice building or just talking about doing it. They ARE doing it. For all intents and purposes, this is on-the-job training. This is a real building that the college will be using for its maintenance department for years to come—and they are building it while still in school!”
Graduates of SCC’s program will qualify for jobs in architectural, engineering, construction and trades professions as well as positions in industry and government. This program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to residential and commercial building construction and remodeling. Includes instruction in construction equipment and safety; site preparation and layout; construction estimating; print reading; building codes; framing; masonry; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; electrical and mechanical systems; interior and exterior finishing; and plumbing. For more information about Building Construction Technology, contact Grady at bgrady@sampsoncc.edu or at 910.900.4118.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
