Time to Say Farewell to 2nd Class

It was bittersweet yesterday at our end-of-year party....saying good-bye to this class was not easy. This group of kids have so much to be proud of. For me the best part of this particular group was their spirit of teamwork and comraderie, in spite of diverse backgrounds, interests and schools. Isn't that really what defines success? Marshall McBride was awarded AGC's first "Straight to Work" scholarship, which he will use to buy tools or supplies to help him at his job at Western Refinery Services. Billy Managan was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Billy will be attending WSU this fall to major in Construction Management. There were many parents and employers on-hand to celebrate with the kids, but the most touching moment came when the kids gathered to give their superstar mentor and teacher, Ted Goeres a huge hug.

Apply Now for 2009 - 2010 Academy Class

Applications are now being accepted for students interested in participating in the 2009-10 Construction Academy program. The program is open to all Whatcom County high school juniors and seniors. To learn more about the program and application process, students and parents are encouraged to attend the CCA Information Night being held March 19 from 7-8:00pm at Meridian High School. To learn more about the program, view a program video and download application materials go to: http://www.whatcomtechprep.org/ Click on STUDENT tab and then COMMUNITY CLASSROOM – you will see the CCA program logo. Students can also get information about the CCA program from their high school counselor or Career Center. Many schools are planning their own “CCA info sessions” – ask your counselor if one is being held at your school. If you still have questions about the program, please call Linda Cowan at 752-8409.

Our Kids Win BIG!!!!

Trevor M. was wrong on his prediction that the Academy kids would not win the Construction Challenge in Seattle (he said they would have fun anyway).....but, win they did!!!!!! The students recently won the first-ever Washington regional Construction Challenge, earning a free trip to the international competition in Tennessee this spring. The competition tested their skills and teamwork in three challenges related to construction and manufacturing. The team consisted of Trevor Mauro (Sehome), Marshall McBride (Meridian), Troy Buist (Lynden), Chris Whitson (Mt. Baker) and Bill Managan (Mt. Baker). They were the only team out of 13 to place in all three challenges. The team proudly credits the whole class for their success......we are so proud of these kids and this tremendous accomplishment.

Academy Kids Are BUSY!!!!

Trevor M. was kind enough to send me a blurb on what the class has been up to lately.....right now the catagory has split up to work on large group projects according to the student's desired trade, occassionally collaborating to complete a job such as the new office for the Bus Garage at Meridian High School; the caprenters (Billy, Trevor and Brittany) are getting very close to finishing the framing for this project, which should be completed in another month. Other students are working on piping for the greenhouse, fixing a wall in the girls lockerroom bathroom and welding projects in the shop.

On another note....Ray Pierce from Diamond B Constructors had the great priviledge to visit the Academy this week. He was impressed to say the least! These kids are motivated, talented and have a great future ahead of them. Ray took the time to talk to the kids about job safety and what to expect on the job site when they start their internships in March.

CELEBRATION AT THE ACADEMY!!!!

Yesterday we celebrated National Careers in Construction Week at the Construction Academy. School couselors and educators were invited to the Construction Academy for a delicious lunch hosted by the Associated General Contractors. The students and counselors had the opportunity to hear a special success story from Blake Ambler, who now works for Granite Northwest (Wilder). Blake got his start as an Academy kid in Bothell and his first internship was with Wilder on the Everett Station project. Blake continued to work for Wilder after school and in the summer. After high school, Blake went to Washington State University to study Construction Management, working at Wilder in the summer. After college, Blake returned to Wilder where he now mentors new academy students. We also heard from Vicki Pine at Andgar Corporation who shared with us all of the different jobs at her company and all the opportunities that await students that are motivated and interested a great career in construction.

Welcome New Class!!!!

The Academy is proud to welcome the second class of students back to school. Ted is proud of this years class already and we are only a month into it! The students will be going to their OSHA 10 class on Friday, October 17 where they will learn all about jobsite safety. Also in October, the students will be getting their First Aid/CPR training. Intalco has again generously fitted the students with work boots and we have received another grant from the AGC Education Foundation to support the program.

Join me in wishing Ted and his class a great year full of opportunity and promise......

CCA PROGRAM GOES HIGH TECH

The Construction Careers Academy has hit the big screen! That's right you can check out our new program video on YOU TUBE by clicking on this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EjdmugJoak.
You can see first hand all the people it took to make this program a success. We hope you like it.