It might take a village to raise a child but it only takes 27 youth to build a house.
“It gives real-life experience,” said Ben Mills, a 16-year-old Cochrane High student about the Building Futures program that links high school students with trade skills.
“For example, if your math is wrong in (the classroom) you lose a point but if there is a window that doesn’t fit, it needs to be fixed. It forces you to learn.”
Wrapping up its fourth year, students and instructors invited residents to check out their project last Thursday with an open house in the Riversong community.
“It’s not just about construction – it’s the atmosphere the kids are in … they gain more self confidence and are not confided by the bell,” said teacher Monty Smith.
Taking 27 students from Cochrane, Bow Valley and Springbank high schools, the year-long Building Futures program offers an alternative curriculum where instead of studying and taking tests, four days out of the week the students work together to build a house. On the fifth day, students are in the classroom doing regular course work.
“You get to learn how to do things around the house and learn life skills,” said Max Roussel, a 17-year-old Cochrane High student. “It also gives you a sneak peek of what life will be like … it’s a fun experience.”
Providing teaching that is not available in a traditional classroom is the motto of the program.
“It has a lot to do with authenticity,” said Jason Ness, learning specialist with Rocky View Schools and former Building Futures teacher.
“This (work) is directly relatable to the world of work and the students are able to create something they can always look back on.”
In the last four years, the program has seen recognition from the community and nationally, receiving awards from the Canadian Education Association’s (CEA) 2014 Ken Spencer Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, and the Cochrane Community Awards for Education Initiative of the Year.
Jordan Loewen, the site supervisor, said the program is a humble reminder to those working in trades that everyone “starts somewhere.”
The program is in partnership with Rocky View Schools, the Professional Home Builders Institute of Alberta and the Alberta New Home Warranty Program.
The program will resume in September and space is still available for youth to register.
For more information, go to rockyview.ab.ca.
