Masonry Magazine June 1999 Page. 40
Student Build Technology Center
Continued from page 38
Waukesha, Janesville, Wisconsin Rapids, Superior and Eau Claire. By 1996-97, there was a waiting list of students wanting to get in, and the decision was made to add a second section. But to accommodate more students, another problem arose - space.
Lab space for the masonry program was shared with wood technics, but the growth of each program made this arrangement unworkable. A request was made to the regional administrator for a new masonry lab.
Ground was broken in the spring of 1997, when masonry students spent nine weeks, designated as a class internship project, pouring foundation and building the exterior block structure.
During the two years of construction, nearly 40 students worked on the building, which is a showcase of masonry skills. The structure has 3,600 square feet of lab space. Details such as glass block windows, dust removal system and bright lighting provide an ideal learning environment.
"This project was very, very real for the students," Bents said. "They were replicating the type of activity they would soon be doing." Real-life experience, such as working on scaffolding, meeting exact specifications and working with subcontractors made the project challenging.
Brick, block and concrete were donated from the Brick Distributors of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Concrete Masonry Association (WCMA). The roofing, mechanical and electrical work was performed by appropriate subcontractors at a cost of $200,000.
With the lab now complete, students have the space they need to learn a valuable and in-demand skill.
"Many jobs exist for the graduate in the state and the region," Bents said. The shortage in the industry is fueled by a booming economy, but the numbers of new people entering the field has not kept up with the retirees. The good economy, Bents said, has just made the problem even worse.
The one-year technical degree program boasts a 100 percent placement rate, and Larson said more than 50 percent of the students continue with the state apprenticeship program.
Call 1-800-243-WITC or visit the WITC website at www.witc.tec.wi.us for more information about the Bricklaying and Masonry program.
40 MASONRY MAY/JUNE, 1999
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