Beginning April 28, the area around the El Paso Community College Workforce Development Center will once again echo with the sounds of hammering nails and the sawing of wood.
The Introduction to Construction, Technology course will teach students various skills within the field, such as roofing, framing, carpentry, sheet-rock installation, plumbing, interior and exterior finish, cost-estimating and more.
“The students are graded in class and with their lab work, which is the construction of a house,” said Marcelino Ramirez, course instructor.
Approximately 20 students work on a house, which is completely built from a platform and ranges from 800 square feet to 1400 square feet.
Throughout the four-month time period, contractors review the work of the students.
“This is all affordable housing that is placed at various locations around the city,” said
Luz Taboada, director of the
workforce department.
After a house is completed, it is the responsibility of the sponsors, such as Tropicana Homes, Dessert View Homes, El Paso Collaborative and Care Free Homes, to sell it.
Taboada said, “The sponsor of the house pays for the house to be moved on a lot on which to place it.”
El Paso Collaborative helps low-income families to become recipients of these houses with grants that they provide.
The tuition for the $2,644-construction course may be paid over four monthly installments, but financial help is also available.
Desert View Homes has provided four scholarships and VIA Homes has offered another two. Another supporting program, Motivation Education Training (M.E.T.), has significantly helped students like Adrian Mendoza.
“Thanks to all the people from the M.E.T. program for their support of farm workers, I am able to join this course,” said Mendoza. “I like everything about this course, especially working with the people. We learn how to read floor plans, how to use the equipment, and all of the safety precautions. We have very good instructors.”
According to Anabel Fierro, professional student advisor, some tools will be provided for students but they will eventually have to purchase their own.
After successfully completing the course, the program even assists students with job placement.
“Not only are the students learning a trade, but they are getting a chance to give back to the community which makes them feel good. They are making a difference,” said Taboada.
Since the first construction course in January 2002, over 600 students have participated and 40 houses have been built.
The program is currently accepting applications.
For more information, contact Anabel Fierro at 831-7739 or 831-7825.
