High school students gain real-world experience in commercial construction internships

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C.

Lexington Richland School District 5 high schools and the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) Collaborate for Internship Opportunities

Six students in the Building Construction program at The Center had the unique opportunity to work with Loveless Commercial Contracting on a commercial remodel project in Chapin. Under the guidance of Ken Loveless and Michael Diaz, the students gained valuable skills in commercial renovations and real-world construction practices. This hands-on experience was part of an 8-week internship program that aimed to bridge classroom instruction with practical application.

Students Embrace the Learning Experience

The students, including Jackson Brummage, Arely Cabrera, Luke Hilton, Cooper Jones, Kolin Kunkle, and Sidney Powers, were actively involved in various stages of the commercial remodel project. They also had the chance to interact with a layout engineer from Loveless Contracting, providing them with insights into the diverse career opportunities available in the construction industry.

“I really enjoyed visiting with the surveyor because it was really cool,” expressed Intern Sidney Powers. “The job seems very interesting and it is one of those jobs that flies under the radar.”

Michael Diaz, the Building Construction teacher at The Center, highlighted the importance of connecting classroom instruction with real-world experiences. He emphasized the significance of industry professionals guiding students through practical scenarios to enhance their skill sets and expose them to lucrative career options:

“From a teacher’s perspective in Career and Technical Education (CTE), the connection between classroom instruction and real-world experience is paramount. Skill sets that are taught in the classroom get polished when they are able to attempt the instruction in real-world scenarios led by industry professionals who work in these fields day in and day out.”

The internships provided to students at The Center come after they complete a 2-year program. Upon program completion, students have the opportunity to engage in a 3rd-year internship class where they earn academic credit. These industry-specific internships offer students a hands-on experience in various aspects of the building construction career, ranging from trade-oriented skills to advanced post-secondary pathways.

“Internships are about success, failure, hard work, and tenacity,” emphasized Ken Loveless, Owner of Loveless Commercial Contracting, Inc. “Nothing is more rewarding than mastering valuable skills while building a relationship with an employer willing to invest in you.”

The Center for Advanced Technical Studies offers a comprehensive range of specialized courses in 18 Career and Technical Education programs, spanning fields such as Aerospace Engineering, Agriculture/Wildlife Management, Auto Repair Technology, Culinary Arts, and Welding. These programs equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in various industries.

By providing students with real-world experiences through internships and work-based learning opportunities, schools like The Center and Lexington Richland School District 5 are preparing the next generation of skilled professionals in the construction industry.