Camosun Carpentry students learn, community benefits
Archived Content
This archived web page remains online for reference, research or record-keeping purposes. This page will not be altered or updated and may contain out of date information. If you’re looking for specific information and haven’t found it, please contact communications@camosun.ca.
Carpentry classes are part of building crew for Habitat for Humanity project
December 2, 2008
Camosun College is moving a Carpentry class off campus and into the community. Led by carpentry instructor Mark Swanwick, students are getting first-hand experience on a real construction site.
The students are helping to build a five-unit townhouse at 3494 Bethune Street in Saanich. This Habitat for Humanity project has been designed to meet the accessibility needs of people with physical disabilities.
“This project is such great worksite experience for the students,” explains Swanwick. “Yes, we can and do teach the skills on campus, but being on an actual job site teaches them to think like a worker. They have to show up on time, bring their tools, a lunch, their rain gear, and learn to work effectively with other trades people and supply companies.”
The students are enrolled in Camosun’s six-month Carpentry Foundations program, which provides entry level job skills plus the first level of technical training toward the four-year apprenticeship. This is the third carpentry class to participate in this project, because the project’s completion time spans over an 18-month time frame.
“This project is a win-win for everyone,” says Swanwick. “It saves Camosun money for teaching materials, which in turn saves the taxpayer. Because the project is designed to LEED certified standards, the students are learning about the most up-to-date, energy-efficient building methods. And best of all, we’re doing something that benefits people who need our help.”
Camosun students will be on the job-site Tuesday-Thursday, December 2-4. The site is located on the corner of Bethune and Saanich Roads.
Last updated: December 3, 2008 3:08 pm
