PARIS – “I have been in this program for three years, and now I can work as a carpenter, and make more money, rather than start at the bottom as a carpenter’s helper,” remarked Steven Hutter of Hebron. When asked about their future plan, all seven seniors in the Oxford Hills Technical School’s Building Trades Program replied that they are going into construction. Some are already working at part-time construction jobs that will become full-time once they graduate.

Ryan Buck of Hebron said that the hands-on training he received helped him decide what to do with his future.

These seniors, plus six juniors, receive on-the-job training as they learn to build houses from the ground up. Instructors Scott McElravy and Dan Daniels are with them every step of the way as students learn construction and goal setting. This program revolves around real life job experience as students gain trade skills and give back to the community.

This program is in partnership with Community Concepts, which furnishes the land and materials. The school furnishes the labor and funding comes from the USDA’s Rural Development program. The houses are then sold to families who will pay low interest rates and enjoy well built homes through the workmanship of the building trades students.

On May 30th, a cookout and celebration will mark the completion of this year’s home.

Community Concepts also partners with Region 9 students who build homes through their vocational school. Their cookout is set for June 2 at their finished home on South Rumford Road in Rumford. Because of these successful partnerships, Community Concepts is looking into expanding to other school districts.

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