JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — SUNY Jamestown Community College Workforce Development held a graduation ceremony for its Construction Technology program on Feb. 26 at the Jamestown Campus Manufacturing Technology Institute.
Seven graduating students were celebrated during a gathering that included Kim Ecklund, City of Jamestown mayor; Aili Makuch, City of Jamestown Economic Development coordinator; Crystal Surdyk, City of Jamestown director of Development; and John Healy, executive director of the Builders Exchange of the Southern Tier.
The program was run in collaboration with Jamestown Public Schools, the Builders Exchange of the Southern Tier and the City of Jamestown. These partnerships established a strong foundation for the program’s growth through grant funding, educational support, and shared space.
Over 22 weeks, the noncredit program focuses on three main areas: core safety, foundational skills, and skilled trades. Topics include basic safety; construction math; hand tools; power tools; construction drawings; materials handling; OSHA 10-hour General Construction; masonry units and installation techniques; floor systems; ceiling joists and roof framing; roofing applications; wall systems; exterior finishing; basic stair layout; electrical safety; residential electrical services; HVAC; drain, waste and vent systems; plastic pipe and fittings; and copper pipe and fittings.
Students gained hands-on experience in each module from professionals working in the construction industry. Each unit provided insight and contributed to the program’s overarching project of building a tiny shed.
The tiny sheds are designed to incorporate the National Center for Construction Education and Research curriculum into each module. Each shed measures 12 by 16 feet and includes a porch. At the completion of the program, the sheds will be auctioned, with proceeds used to keep program costs low for future students.
The program was originally launched with American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded to the City of Jamestown in partnership with the Builders Exchange of the Southern Tier to establish a construction program. The Builders Exchange partnered with Jamestown Public Schools and JCC Workforce Development to offer programs at the high school and adult workforce levels. The pilot program has since grown and has provided nine students with 350 hours of training and the opportunity to earn industry certifications.
For more information or to register for the program, visit jcc.coursestorm.com/category/construction.