Comments/Suggestions:

Name:

Email:

Comments:

In Our Own Words:

Mount Si High School Construction Technologies

Mount Si High School’s Construction Technology Department is like no other. In the past five years the school has created the department, which incorporates several different classes and merges them together so that they can work with one another to achieve many different goals. The main objective of this program is to prepare the students for the real world, professional setting, and everyday life. To do this, the construction tech classes take the basic concepts of knowledge and life skills that have been obtained in the core classes and incorporate them into the Construction Tech’s curriculum. The program then turns these concepts into a practical application that increases the students’ understanding of essential life skills, enhancing their ability to succeed in these fields.

Having an effective and efficient skill in communication is essential to be successful in the trade and construction fields. “It’s a ‘three-way marriage’ between an architect, a builder, and the owner,” as instructor, Bentley Gregg Meyers, emphasizes to all his classes. Acknowledging that communication is a priority in these fields, Meyers’ builds communication into the framework of his class curriculums. Another important factor in communication is being able to express your ideas clearly, whether it be verbally or on paper. Through our various class projects, conversations become quite extensive, creating an atmosphere that invokes creativity along with melding ideas into a collective goal. These conversations have not only been an excellent tool for us as students to develop and master the skills of communication, but given students the opportunity to learn from one another. An open mind, acceptance of constructive criticism, and attentiveness are the three characteristics of communication needed to become successful in any career.

The typical view of students in a construction technologies class is that they just drill holes, cut wood, and draw lines, but in actuality they converse with clients, produce job estimates, and make important decisions that affect not only themselves but the entire group. Critical thinking in a work environment is necessary for efficient production leading to success. Every situation in these construction classes not only calls for students to make up their minds, but requires that they do so in the most safe and productive way. Critical thinking is simply the process of understanding all aspects of a problem with the aim of finding the best solution. This can be seen on a daily basis in all of the construction courses, ranging from straightforward measurements to more complicated material ordering. For example, if the amount of materials needed to complete a job is not accurate, the student compromises the project either by delaying the finished product or losing money. Hence the classes are very similar to a realistic job site in that a critical path is taught rather than a check list of items. Every student who completes a Construction Technologies class at this school proves to be highly competent for beginning a career in the construction field.

Apart from communication and critical thinking, students gain a great understanding of responsibility that is essential for the other skills to flourish. For example, students show responsibility through teamwork, safety, and a strong work ethic, which prepares them for similar skills in the workplace. This is partially achieved due to the fact that students must learn to trust and rely on one another for safety procedures in order to be able to complete any given task. Mount Si construction classes have high expectations for doing what is necessary, which develops our personal work ethic. After all, in the work place there is little tolerance for being off task and not taking a job seriously. Students are required to work with many different peers, leading to a greater amount of respect towards each other. A bond, therefore, develops a sense of loyalty – toward both the projects and the partnerships developed within the class. The unusual combination of skills and concepts presented creates the need for students to develop a maturity that is understood in the workplace.

Communication, critical thinking, and responsibility are the three most significant life lessons learned through the Construction Technologies Department at Mount Si High School. It continues to enhance the lives of young men and women who would like to pursue lifelong careers in the ever-growing construction industry. Students enrolled in construction related classes at Mount Si have gained the knowledge of the essential skills that are needed for the future, regardless of what career path is chosen.

Authors:

Michael Torget, Nick Isaac, Veng Chang – supported by the Metals class

Kendall Brenneise, Tim Coleman – supported by the Architecture class

Matt Herman, Brendan “Stache” Marshall – supported by the Woodworking class

Bruce Louviere – supported by the Construction Trades class

Ben Frieler, Jack Kortum – supported by the Engineering class

Bentley Gregg Meyers – Instructor

Maggie Lucking – Writing Consultant