Austin Construction News interview about the Building Construction Technology program

from the March, 2008 issue of Austin Construction News
Educating Austin
Some people may wonder how anyone can make it through four to five years of grueling lectures, page flipping and test taking in college just to have a career these days...but some people out there do .After all, according to MSN, Austin is ranked as the fifth most educated city in America, with 44% of its population holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

As technology becomes more advanced, less labor-intensive career options have become more available. So does that mean that construction savvy folks will toss the hard hat in exchange for a keyboard? Actually, according to Warren Heatwole and Brad Boelter, Austin Community College (ACC), quite the opposite is happening, and with great reason.

"We have an increase in interest in our program...our classes are full most of the time. We have more degree-seeking students now than we've ever had. People come from all over, people who have gone to community colleges at other places, people from Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, North Carolina, Africa, Canada, Mexico and more! In fact, we are running out of space!" Heatwole, department chair for the Building Construction Technology program at ACC, excitedly shares.

As he looks over the class sizes, Heatwole notes that a class limit of 12 is found to be most effective, but the demand for knowledge and skill in the industry has required the department to stretch class limits at times.

Boelter, associate professor with the program, believes that the increase in program enrollment is due to community awareness as well as graduating students performing well in their first jobs out of college.

"I've had students come up to me and say, 'Boy, I wish you guys were here ten years ago.' The word is getting out that we are here."

From fresh out of high school to 30 years in the industry, students are sprinkled all over the department, reading books, using tools and learning to work safely, all in preparation for entering the real world of construction.

Some of the younger students have had the opportunity to be exposed to the tangible aspects of this industry via programs that several high schools in the Austin area are able to provide.

"You've got to be smart. We require people to read, write and solve problems using math. Every problem requires us to describe it in a language that we understand, so learning the language of construction is important in solving construction problems." Heatwole says.

As there are various types of careers available in the construction industry, both Heatwole and Boelter agree that the classes they instruct come with challenges. To be successful in whatever type of career a student is preparing to go into, the students are exposed to a rigorous 'real-life' style of instruction.

"You can't be afraid of hard work," Boelter says.

He adds, "Every now and then we'll have a student who'll come in and realize that it's a hot day outside and they don't feel like doing the class activity. You have to get past that mind set and realize the real reason you're here. It's the sense of completion and pride that keep you motivated."

Additionally, Heatwole notes that they want the students to treat the program the same way they'd treat a real job. Showing up to work on time and being productive are all things that will make or break the success one finds in a program such as this, or any source of construction education.

The Building Construction Technology program offered at ACC has become an excellent tool for those in the industry who are looking to gain an edge by obtaining more knowledge. Heatwole, Boelter and the rest of the teaching staff have provided the instruction necessary for students to expand their knowledge in construction management.

"We need teachers! Estimating teachers, blueprint reading teachers, scheduling teachers...we'd like to see some electricians, plumbers and general contractors who have a wealth of information to share," Heatwole says.

"We also need contractors help us build a healthy intern environment to help our industry educate the next generation of builders," Boelter adds.

As the increase in people seeking education within the construction industry becomes greater, the program Austin Community College offers continues to grow. According to Heatwole, they do that by "keeping it real".

The Building Construction Technology program is located at Austin Community College's Riverside campus. The program provides students with the knowledge and training necessary to become successful in various types of careers within the construction industry. For more information on this program, or to become a sponsor and/or instructor with this program, contact Warren Heatwole at 512-223-6084 or via email at heatwole@austincc.edu or visit www.austincc.edu/bct.

 

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