Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

89 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org E D U C AT I O N for our youth. That is why local, state, and national agencies have all come together to make this happen." Today's construction sites require skilled craftspeople that embrace changing technology, understand complex projects, place safety as a top priority, and collaborate with many people in team-oriented settings. Build Montana will be a first look for students at what it takes to make it in the field of construction, but also will demonstrate how exciting and rewarding it can be. With visits to jobsites like mining facilities and active construction sites students will need protective gear, but that is not a problem. The partnering businesses will provide all students with their own complete safety gear set, and thanks to a grant, work boots. Additionally, the partnering business are contributing the most important component of the program and that is knowledge through experience to teach and train students. With years of experience in their given industry, they will have the rare opportunity to make a large impact on the incoming workforce, building excitement and providing encouragement to the students, that a career in the construction industry is possible and very rewarding. Brain Tucker, Pathways Advisor said, "one of the most rewarding parts of making this opportunity available to students is watching the collaboration come together from so many businesses in our community. They have been so supportive of these students and look forward to getting the kids out there on the jobsites. Businesses will also have an opportunity to get a good look at what the incoming generation of workers will look like." And for the students, Tucker goes on to say, "The students earn high school credit, they get experience in the actual industries that they may want to work for in the future, and it gives them the opportunity to get a leg up on other students coming straight out of high school and looking to start a career." This program will have a lasting positive effect not only on students, but on our community as a whole for the years to come. Being the pilot year, educators of the program are excited about the fluidity of the curriculum and program as it can and will adapt to an ever-changing landscape in the construction industry and as they teach, they will also be learning how to improve and grow the program, maximizing the benefits to everyone. Joe Wilkins shared, "This course we are offering will be like throwing a stone in the water, the ripple effect is coming and will be long-lasting." High school students who want to enroll in the program need to let their school counselor know. Together they can work together to get them enrolled. Businesses are encouraged to get involved, and if you are a business who is interested in partnering, please call Mark Yaeger at (406) 268-7345.

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