Texas State Technical College is set to launch a building construction program in Rosenberg this fall.
The program, which already has a strong presence on TSTC’s Harlingen, Marshall, New Braunfels, Sweetwater and Waco campuses, will feature a craftsman certification focusing on foundational construction skills, Community Impact previously reported.
Shawn McNeil, the program’s team lead, shared more about how he has watched the building construction program grow from an idea to launching the program in Fort Bend County.
How has it been creating the building construction program from the ground up?
It is exciting to know the students will have access to a learning environment that prepares them for success.
What factors have guided the design and setup of the labs?
Our goal was to create a lab that closely resembles an actual construction jobsite. Students will not just learn construction concepts, they will build projects, solve problems and collaborate the way they will in the field. Along the way, they will develop technical skills while learning the importance of safety, communication, teamwork and project management.
Why was it important to carefully select the materials, tools and equipment for the lab?
Industry standards and safety were our top priorities. We want students to gain experience with the same type of tools, equipment and materials they will encounter on construction jobsites, and give them confidence.
What types of hands-on projects will students learn first?
Students will begin by learning tool identification, tape measure fundamentals and shop safety before moving into hands-on projects.
Their first projects will include building a sawhorse, completing a small-scale concrete project and performing site layout before advancing to the foundation phase of their capstone project.
For this project, students will construct a 10-foot-by-12-foot building that will allow them to gain experience with flooring, wall framing, roofing, drywall installation and window and door installation that will take the duration of the program to complete.
How have industry partners influenced the curriculum?
Our industry partners helped identify the skills employers are looking for. One example is Procore, a construction management software platform used in the industry. We have incorporated it into our curriculum so graduates are familiar with the technology, and are better prepared to meet employers’ expectations.
Also of note
The Rosenberg campus is also set to launch an electrical construction program this fall, Community Impact reported. The program—which will launch as a certification and eventually expand to an associate degree—will introduce students to residential, commercial and industrial wiring.
