(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Before the first Building Construction students step into the lab this fall in Fort Bend County, Texas State Technical College has spent months laying the program’s foundation.
An empty space has been transformed into a hands-on construction lab that mirrors today’s jobsites, giving students an environment where they can develop practical skills from day one.
Shawn McNeil, the program’s team lead, said watching Building Construction grow from an idea into a training lab with experienced faculty has been incredible.
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.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction and a certificate of completion in Building Construction – Craftsman at its Harlingen, Marshall, New Braunfels, Sweetwater and Waco campuses.
Registration for the fall semester is underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.