Construction FastTrack Student Info Session
Free Student Info Session for Construction FastTrack Program
Owensboro, KY (01/02/2020) — In partnership with local businesses and with the support of the Owensboro Homebuilder's Association, Owensboro Community & Technical College is bringing work and learn to the construction field with the new Construction FastTrack program. Stepping beyond traditional lecture/lab instructional models, this program offers hands-on project-based training in a real-world, industry environment. It is structured so the students can work during the day and attend college four evenings a week.
"This is an employer driven program that will not only meet the employer and community needs but also prepares students to enter the construction field," commented Dr. Stacy Edds-Ellis, OCTC's Dean of Academic Affairs.
Sixteen students will be selected for the initial cohort, and the college will provide some placement assistance to those students not currently working in the field. OCTC Chief Institutional Officer Mike Rodgers added, "There is room for more employers to get involved. Mentoring is a huge part of the program and a strong mentor-student relationship only increases a student's confidence and knowledge base. Ultimately this is about student success. We have bundled courses each semester that lead to industry-recognized certificates to make it possible for students to quickly earn credentials that can be used in the workplace for advancement."
Students will be required to successfully complete at least 70% of program competencies and maintain a 90% attendance rate to be successful. They will "clock in" for class, just as employees do in a real work setting, reinforcing employer expectations.
OCTC President Scott Williams commented, "These innovative programs are serving the adult students better, allowing them more schedule flexibility and multiple entry/exits points. But, I want to emphasize the benefits of the support of our industry partners. Without their guidance, participation, and honest feedback these programs would not be successful."
Students successfully completing the program can earn up to seven certificates: Basic Carpenter, Carpenter Helper, Residential Site Layout Assistant, Rough Carpenter, Residential Roofer, Residential Carpenter, and Dry Waller.
To learn more about the program, a free student information session will be held: Tuesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. at OCTC's Downtown Campus, in classroom #19, located at 1501 Frederica Street. Interested students should park in the back lot. Faculty and admissions staff will be on hand to tour the lab and answer questions. The Construction FastTrack program is taking applications for students to begin in January. For more information about the program or to become an employer partner, please contact Ceary Thomas at ceary.thomas@kctcs.edu or call 270-686-4623.