Class introduces students to the trades

With the economy and housing markets in the East Kootenay not really showing any signs of slowing down, the demand for more young people to go into trades is still high. One way of introducing students to construction is the Construction Program at Mount Baker Secondary School in Cranbrook. This year, 18 students - two of them in Grade 11 and the rest in Grade 12 - got their first building experience with teacher Paul Duczek.

After going over the basics in the classroom, the students got their hands dirty in the field, building five garages in the community. The biggest project, Duczek points out, was a garage and shop building with a dimension of 40 by 60 feet and most of the walls 12 feet high. It took the students just over 10 days to complete the shop. There is no set charge for their labour, but home owners are encouraged to make a donation.am is a win-win situation for the home owners as well as the class. "Obviously the land owner gets a good price," he points out," we get an educational experience." Duczek emphasizes that the course is in no way designed to be in competition to and take work away from professional builders and contractors.

In fact, he hopes, the program can help the businesses find new employees. He would also be more than happy to put anybody looking for trained workers in touch with some of his graduates - be it for a summer job or continued employment. So far, Duczek says, contractors have been very supportive of the students.

What Duczek wants to give to the students is exposure and a sense of what the business is all about. "We're not trying to make anybody a welder or make them a carpenter," he states. Still, some will go into the trades and five of this year's graduates of the program, Duczek says, have taken on another building on their own for the summer.

"I wouldn't know how many 17 to 18 year-olds in the Province would know how to build a garage on their own," Duczek beams. He admits it is very rewarding to see the students grow and to hear them say at the end of the year that the class was the best experience they had in high school because it was real. "It's almost like coaching a team when you're on the site," Duczek describes his own role in the program.

The right work ethic is the number one quality students need at the site, Duczek feels. He says they also need to understand safety protocols, recognize dangers and become comfortable with their surroundings. The students already have some skills when they start the program, having tried their hand at cabinet making in an in-class course.

The program will be offered again next school year, Duczek says. It will start with inside work from February until Spring Break and then when the weather allows it, students will get out and start a building project.

Duczek thanks all the people who have supported the course over the years, including land owners, teachers, contractors and School Board officials. He admits it was a big step and great responsibility to give the program the kind of success it has seen. "I'm proud of it and I know others are, too."

Bob and Bev Kroeker are two of the land owners who hired the Mount Baker construction crew earlier this year to build their garage-style shop. "We are very happy. They did an excellent job," Bev Kroeker says. "We got what we expected... really good work." She adds not only did they get great results, but it was also wonderful to have the kids around, having fun, and also see the respect they had for their teacher.

Kroeker's daughter graduated from Mount Baker this year and her mother was amazed at how many kids said at the commencement ceremony that this was the best course they took in high school. Kroeker recommends to any home owner with similar projects to give the Baker crew a call and also urges any students who are considering taking to program to go for it.

To get more information about the Mount Baker construction program or to hire one of the students, you can contact Paul Duczek at 250-417-9778.