By Brad Rippel, National Sales Manager
On April 30, 2024 I had the unique opportunity to do a classroom presentation to 16 members of a 2 year technical college Carpentry class. I titled the class, “Alternative Employment Opportunities for Carpentry and Construction Management Students”. I primarily addressed this presentation to make the students aware of employment opportunities outside of conventional rough framing/home building and cabinet making choices. I presented myself as a representative from the custom stair manufacturing world, and introduced them briefly to our Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association, to show them the “impact” of a professional organization on a specialty-niche industry.
I utilized the VI guide as a segway into an explanation of just how detailed and complex that our industry really is. The students (both first year and second year post-secondary) were intrigued from the very start. We reviewed all the “critical glossary terms”, and then got into the basic code requirements of stairs in residential buildings. I have to say that it was one of the most attentive audiences that I have presented to! (I might add here, and I’m happy to say…..that there were two female students….who really seemed to be paying the most attention!)
We discussed the realm of employment opportunities from a stair parts manufacturing aspect, to custom shop “apprenticing” of becoming a stair builder, to on-the-job installation experts, (complete with “travel around the country”, doing their job) The jobsite installation part REALLY got their attention!
It was a very rewarding experience to hear the questions that they had for me at the end………are you ready?……of my THREE HOUR presentation and slide show of the StairCraft Awards!
The instructor at Hocking College has already asked me if I can come back again next year!
If you haven’t already been aware of this type of educational experience, please take time to identify any community colleges and or technical colleges (post secondary is the best….because these students are PAYING to learn something that they are interested in) research your area to find out what kind of programs are offered. High-school vocational carpentry classes are also good…..but those students may not be as interested as the ones who have specifically become “financially involved” in their education.
If anyone has any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to ask
