New AC construction program breaks ground

By KARLA SALAZAR 

Student Reporter

The Amarillo College Construction Program is a new, hands-on program that offers students experience in construction. Students will learn the basics of construction, and employers can come in and share their knowledge and provide face-to-face opportunities in the classroom.

Program Coordinator for the new Construction Technology Program, Ernie Sheets, said the program is not only new to Amarillo College, but new to the Panhandle as well. 

“If someone was interested in doing construction trades, up until this point, their only option was to go to a school outside this area,” Sheets said.

Not only is it important to those interested in construction but also to a new wave of construction workers of the coming age. Sheets said programs like this bring awareness and job opportunities in trades that pay well. 

“We’re hearing that over the next 10 years or so, nearly 40% of the current laborers in the field will be reaching retirement age,” Sheets said. “Our goal is to have nearly all students placed by us so that they are working in the field, possibly earning credit for the work they’re doing. It should just make it just that much more successful. Those are part-time jobs, if they determine it that way or it can be an internship,” Sheets said.

Students who are currently enrolled in the new construction program encourage others to sign up.

“I’d just like to tell any women out there it’s not just a man’s trade,” Vania Esparza, a construction technology major, said. “Women can also grow and be successful in this trade, there is money to be made and it’s only growing.”

Stephen Dunn, a construction technology general major, said “if you are even the slightest bit interested in construction, I would take this class. It starts off your basics and if you don’t like it, you can always change majors. You also don’t have to be the stereotypical construction worker. This program can be geared in multiple different directions so that it fits you better. Lastly, if you hate it completely, you’ve still learned some handy life skills.”

Dunn said Sheets is the heart of the program. “You can tell he deeply cares about what he does and is the sole reason this program is what it is,” Dunn said.

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