VIENNA, Ill. (WSIL) — Six students from Vienna High School are participating in the Illinois Laborers and Contractors Construction Craft Preparation Program. This program provides hands-on experience in the construction industry alongside valuable technical training.
The students involved are Matt Crim, Drake Hilliard, Braedon Oetjen, Jeff Reynolds, Logan Rockwell, and Thomas Smith III. They are taking classes such as Craft Orientation, General Construction, and Blueprint Reading, among others.
Mr. Todd Goforth, who has been leading the program since the 2018-2019 school year, emphasized his commitment to career development and hands-on education. Principal John Giffin praised the students for their initiative.
“We are proud of these young men for taking initiative and investing in their futures,” Giffin said. “Opportunities like this bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, and that is what education is all about.”
Superintendent Dr. Joshua Stafford highlighted the program’s benefits. “This program represents the kind of forward-thinking partnerships that give our students a head start in the trades,” Stafford said.
In January, Mr. Goforth will host a recruitment session at Vienna High School for prospective sophomores interested in the program. The Construction Craft Preparation Program offers triple credit, including high school, college, and apprenticeship credits, setting students up for success in the workforce.
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