OTC updates courses in construction technology

|tab|

Why should an unskilled employee work for $10,000 annually when he or she could train at Ozarks Technical Community College and start a career earning more than $21,000? |ret||ret||tab|

Wanted: Dedicated Students. Job Outlook: High Demand!|ret||ret||tab|

According to the 2001 Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, there is a need for brickmasons, carpenters, carpenter's helpers, concrete finishers and construction managers. |ret||ret||tab|

The need for advanced teaching methods becomes evident with the demand for employees who can design and estimate construction jobs using computers. To meet this need for skilled workers, OTC construction technology instructors continue to plan curriculum to enhance several programs. |ret||ret||tab|

|ret||ret||tab|

New phase|ret||ret||tab|

This past year, OTC has entered another new phase of development to equip students. The remodeled Lincoln Hall is now the new home for construction technology. Each semester, five courses are offered in the new state-of-the-art facilities, and area high school students, college students and part-time employees enroll in the courses. The public is welcome to visit the new Lincoln Hall any time.|ret||ret||tab|

Classroom atmospheres create an exciting learning environment, and the 62 students enrolled are on the cutting edge. New classrooms with computer technology give a new outreach in research and development. The technology is the most current digital projection equipment, allowing the community of learners to use Power Point presentations to enhance learning. |ret||ret||tab|

Students, excited to use the labs, conduct and produce their projects. Add-itionally, the new high bay area is approximately 65 feet long and 60 feet wide with a ceiling of 27 feet. It has two mezzanines for storage, giving more floor space for projects. Masonry will have a new lab in Lincoln by the semester's end: students can enjoy the comforts of a well-lighted area and the warmth of the kiln.|ret||ret||tab|

|ret||ret||tab|

Courses|ret||ret||tab|

CST 140-Cabinet Making moved into the new facility featuring the latest equipment. In this course, students learn the fundamentals of designing and building furniture. To help prevent air pollution, a dust-collection system installed provides the best possible working conditions. A vital part of the program is that of active learning.|ret||ret||tab|

CST 135-Carpentry I students are in the process of building three complete houses in the high bay area in stages. First, the flooring system, a wooden foundation, can be used repeatedly, thus being cost-effective for years. |ret||ret||tab|

Currently, the floor systems consist of the following stages: students built and placed the girder, then placed sill insulation, sill, and then joist. They framed a stair opening and placed bridging and blocking throughout. OSB was used for decking and the next phase: erect exterior and interior walls. Students learn the techniques in building door and window openings and how to properly straighten, plumb, and brace each wall. |ret||ret||tab|

In the spring, CST 235 curriculum is developed to instruct students to build a roof system.|ret||ret||tab|

CST 180-Exterior Finishes students built three different mockups in the shop that encourage the proper techniques for roofing, installation of doors and windows, vinyl siding and other exterior finishes. The roof system includes shingling around chimneys, vents and using step flashing along a vertical wall. |ret||ret||tab|

The three roofs are designed with different conditions to master: the gable with a 10/12 pitch provides the opportunity to use roof jacks and shingle up and around vents, chimneys and along a vertical wall; the 6/12 hip roof provides the experience to shingle around vents and along a vertical wall; the 5/12 gable with a valley on one side offers the opportunity to shingle an open and woven valley. To complete course objectives, students will master each roof type.|ret||ret||tab|

CST 139-Trim Carpentry students are learning the techniques needed to trim out a project. The fundamentals include hanging interior doors, placing of casings, baseboards and crown molding. The high bay area is busy!|ret||ret||tab|

|ret||ret||tab|

Spring semester|ret||ret||tab|

The spring 2002 semester offers five more courses: Print Reading, Concrete, Carpentry II, Interior Finishes, Masonry II, and Estimating using the latest version of Timberline software. Anyone interested in enrolling in these classes may contact the OTC Admissions Office.|ret||ret||tab|

The goal of construction technology is to train students who enter the field of construction to know and apply the basic elements. |ret||ret||tab|

To obtain these goals, instructors offer students hands-on projects similar to job demands. The program stresses the importance of good safety and recognizes the value of a good work ethic. Employers can hire students who are more educated and experienced, thus creating a satisfied, longer-term employee. General contractors and suppliers employ former graduates.|ret||ret||tab|

For more information, prospective employers are invited to stop by and visit with the OTC construction staff at any time.|ret||ret||tab|

(Tim Rogers is an instructor of Construction Technology at Ozarks Technical Community College.)[[In-content Ad]]