(Atlantic) The Atlantic High School Building Trades Program is embarking on its first project possibly this week, weather permitting. Atlantic Schools Superintendent Steve Barber says the district has been at this for the past four years and survived many bumps in the road.
The Building Trades students are building a garage extension onto the Dave Erickson home this spring, and next week as long as the weather cooperates, they’re going to pour the footings. Barber says local businesses such as Henningsen Construction, Camblin Mechanical, Randy Watts, and Rob Stamp Construction will work alongside the students.
Barber says there are double-digit members in each of the classes providing and a wide range of opportunities. For example, home and auto care, engineering, manufacturing with 3D printers, and laser cutters, welding, and introduction to construction, electricity, small engines, and building trades, along with some Agricultural.
The Building Trade students have prefabbed the walls for the Erickson garage project at their classroom at the Achievement Center. After completing that part of the project, the local contractors will provide some support, erect the extension onto Mr. Erickson’s garage, and install the roof, siding, electrical, and plumbing.
The class also works with SHIFT ATL intending to put up a garage on one of their properties next fall. Barber says the goal is to build a house someday.