Paulding High School proudly announces the successful completion of its second Construction Basics I and II class. This cohort was offered to students at the Paulding County Opportunity Center (PCOC). There were two separate classes offered to students from the high school and those who attend PCOC. The program, offered by Northwest State Community College (NSCC), allowed students to gain skills and certifications, including OHSA-10, LEAN Six Sigma, and Blueprint Reading.
Leading this initiative was Mr. Jon Thomas. Thomas, a construction contractor by trade, taught the students about tools, how to handle them, blueprints, and guided them to actually design and make 26 raised garden beds and 15 picnic tables. These projects were dispersed throughout the school district including garden beds at the Paulding County Senior Center and picnic tables at the Charloe Sno Cone. Additionally, the students added a room on the side of their workshop that included electrical and plumbing outlets for laundry services and then drywalled the water treatment building for the Village of Cecil.
“It was a privilege to be able to teach these young men the carpentry and building trades! They were eager to learn from day one and I am grateful to share my skills and experience with them.” shared Thomas.
Paulding High School remains committed to innovation and excellence in education, empowering students with the skills and certifications necessary to thrive in today’s workforce environment. The knowledge learned through the training, along with the dedication by the students, will open doors for them in their future careers in whatever career they decide to pursue.
The program graduates recently celebrated their accomplishments. Program graduates included: Tytus Manz, Derrick Martinez, Jesus Estrada Aiden Dewaters, Riley Leatherman, Parker Mapes, Draven Bradford, Logan Olin and Drake Ankney,
Throughout the entire school year students attended classes for 1.5 hours per day during school hours. The agenda included a mix of hands-on training and book work under the guidance of Thomas. The program is provided in conjunction with industry partner Tiffany Rockhold with OhioMeansJobs.
Paulding High School Principal Chris Etzler concluded, “We are very fortunate to be able to offer our students an opportunity like this. We are thankful for the location to hold this class, and thankful for Jon and his knowledge, as well as his ability to relate to our students. This gives them one more opportunity to leave Paulding High School with not only a diploma, but skills that will help them start and advance in a career.”
For more information about Paulding High School’s construction program and future workforce initiatives, please contact Paulding County Economic Development at 419-399-8282.
