Students in the Construction Trades program at Erie County Technical School are gaining hands-on experience and workforce skills through a unique learning environment that combines classroom instruction with real-world job opportunities.
According to Principal Dave Swanson, the three-year Construction Trades program serves nearly 100 students and provides comprehensive training in a variety of construction techniques and practices. The program is led by two instructors who guide students through projects that help prepare them for careers in the skilled trades.
Inside the construction lab, students learn the fundamentals of the industry by tackling projects of all sizes. Their work ranges from building wooden dog houses in the classroom to contributing to larger community projects, including Millcreek Township’s Rainbow Bridge.
The hands-on approach gives students an opportunity to apply classroom lessons to practical tasks, helping them develop skills in construction, problem-solving, teamwork, and project management before entering the workforce.
A key component of the program is Erie County Technical School’s cooperative education, or co-op, program. The initiative allows senior students to leave campus during the school day and work at actual job sites, where they gain valuable industry experience while earning a paycheck.
Swanson said approximately 150 students participated in the school’s co-op program last year, providing them with an opportunity to earn money while continuing their education.
School officials say the combination of classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and paid work experience helps students build a strong foundation for careers in construction and other skilled trades while addressing workforce needs across the region.
As demand for skilled workers continues to grow, programs like Construction Trades at Erie County Technical School are giving students a direct pathway from education to employment, equipping them with the experience and confidence needed to succeed after graduation.