North Montco Junior and Senior Carpentry Students Engage in Full-Scale Learning Experience

Denise Collins | North Montco Technical Career Center•

North Montco Technical Career Center’s commitment to providing students with real-world skills is evident in the hands-on approach taken by teachers. This year, juniors and seniors in Jamal Kirby's carpentry class are immersed in a unique and practical learning experience — a temporary full-scale build project conducted right in their classroom lab.

(Credit: North Montco Technical Career Center)

The ambitious project involves the construction of a temporary 900 square foot home, complete with a commercially built attachment. The residential section comprises a kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living area, while the commercial space represents a potential barbershop. This integrated approach allows students to apply their skills in both residential and commercial settings.

(Credit: North Montco Technical Career Center)

From the project's inception, students were actively engaged in the design process, shaping both the residential and commercial spaces. Mr. Kirby strategically selected a design that aligns with the lab parameters, ensuring an optimal learning experience for his students. Together, they poured the foundation, thanks to the generous support of GSI Concrete. Students will continue to frame the floors and walls and take on the full spectrum of interior and exterior carpentry tasks.

This immersive project provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in working with blueprints, building foundations, estimating time and materials, and mastering the intricacies of drywall installation. In the commercial structure, students delve into the nuances of installing commercial flooring, metal stud framing, and constructing a drop ceiling. The use of various power tools, including circular saws and nail guns, mirrors the demands of the industry, preparing students for real-world challenges.

(Credit: North Montco Technical Career Center)

While the ultimate aim is to involve all junior and senior carpentry students in this transformative project, students must complete a prerequisite: successfully executing a similar project on a smaller scale. The class accommodates seven to eight students at a time, ensuring personalized attention and a conducive learning environment. Between project rotations, students continue to enhance their skills by working on smaller projects that reinforce key concepts.

This temporary structure is not just a one-time endeavor; it lays the foundation for ongoing learning opportunities at North Montco. Plans are already in motion for the next academic year, where students will embark on a complete renovation project.

(Credit: North Montco Technical Career Center)

North Montco’s Carpentry class is not just building structures; they are constructing futures by imparting practical skills and knowledge that will serve students well beyond the classroom. Visit us on social media for regular updates on this exciting project.