MORAN — Marmaton Valley students who enjoy hands-on learning are in for a treat. The National Center for Construction Education and Research, NCCER, has approved Marmaton Valley High School as a certified high school.
Samuel Jackson, MVHS construction teacher, said 30 students participate in the program.
“This is a great program for students,” Jackson said. “It allows them to work with their hands and even if they don’t major in it or go into the field they take away the skills.”
Students learn criteria from NCCER and are tested on the material. They must receive a 70 percent on the test and do a performance task throughout the semester.
“Any company has access to the student’s certificate,” Jackson said. “It’s supposed to help get them on a better pay scale.”
Construction companies, association and academic leaders came together in 1996 to change training for the construction industry to develop a safe and productive workforce.
The first thing students learn is safety, including how to properly use tools, read blueprints and use effective communication. This course counts as 18 credits at Fort Scott Community College if a student follows the program from high school into the two-year college. The class starts at the freshman level. If a senior comes in they must start at the first level. Senior Michael Swift had taken a similar class as a freshman with a different teacher.
“ I thought I would give it a shot again,” Swift said. “Mr. Jackson takes it very seriously. It is making me a better woodsman and I get something out of it.”
Woodworking is something sophomore Keegan Boyd has always been interested in.
“I didn’t know much about woodworking and so far I’ve learned a lot,” Boyd said.
This year Jackson is teaching two classes but plans to add another next year and one more the year after.
