Discovering the Future Builders: A Peek Inside Bonanza High School’s Construction Program
Ever wondered where the next generation of builders, architects, and construction experts is coming from? Look no further than Bonanza High School, where the Building Trades and Construction Technology program is laying down the foundation—literally and figuratively—for students’ futures. With enrollment doubling over the past two years, this hands-on program is giving students the skills and confidence to dream big and build even bigger. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this program a cornerstone of career readiness and inspiration.
From Hammering Basics to High-Level Skills: The Program Unveiled
The construction program at Bonanza High School starts with the essentials and quickly scales up to complex skills. “We started off with just the basics. You know, using saws, knowing how to use hand tools and power tools, safety,” explains Leo Hearn, a key instructor. It’s a structured journey, beginning with learning how to swing a hammer correctly to mastering tools like miter saws, table saws, and circular saws. The comprehensive nature of this program means students are not just participants but future professionals in the making.
Alan Morales, one of the enthusiastic students, shares his experience: “You learn how to pretty much build anything in the construction industry. We learn also how to do electronics like wiring and all that.” Currently, the students are building a shed, a project that scales their skills to larger structures like houses, encompassing everything from drywall installation to electrical wiring.
A Gateway to Dreams: Student Aspirations and Real-World Applications
The program is more than just hands-on learning; it’s a gateway to dreams. Marlei Warren, another student, envisions a future in architecture. “I want to be an architect when I’m older. So this is a very good opportunity to gain the skills to get into what I want to do,” she says. Marlei plans to complete the program, join the carpenters union, and eventually pursue night school to achieve her architectural ambitions.
For Issael Peredo, the program offers practical benefits beyond career preparation. “You actually get to walk around, build, and do things with your hands, actually get your brain thinking a lot.”
Building Math Skills and Precision: The Academic Edge
One might not immediately connect construction work with academic rigor, but the program at Bonanza High School proves otherwise. Students delve into math standards, applying concepts like the Pythagorean theorem and geometric calculations to real-world problems. They learn about roof pitches and calculate angles using right triangles, enhancing both their practical and academic skills.
“There’s a margin of error that like, 1/8 of an inch max, but anything over that, the whole structure could be warped and it won’t look good or can come down and be structurally just not sound,” notes one student, highlighting the precision required in their work.
Ready for the Real World: Career Opportunities and Economic Benefits
The program not only equips students with skills but also with the potential to enter the workforce debt-free. “I get to teach kids how to find jobs, how to actually work in the construction field and make decent money and not be in debt,” says an instructor passionately. This pragmatic approach resonates with many students, with around 70% of seniors planning to start careers in construction right after high school.
Bonanza High School is just one of 15 high schools in the CCSD offering such a transformative program. It’s an amazing opportunity for students to prepare for a possible career in construction, whether they aspire to be architects, electricians, or construction managers.
