The donation of a dozen tablet computers could help students at the Connellsville Career and Technical Center land jobs making more than $25 an hour as high school graduates.
The donation received Friday came from the Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP) to give the students the ability to access the Future Road Builders program. The interactive computer game lets students try their hand at various road construction tasks, take sample apprenticeship tests and connect to future apprenticeships.
“The Chromebooks wouldn’t run this,” said Dave Clark, a technology specialist with the school district.
The free app is available for smartphones and tablets and has been downloaded more than 15,000 times according to Jason Koss, the director of industry relations for CAWP.
“What they can earn through playing the game are badges that go toward their skills certificate. It becomes part of their portfolio for when they apply for apprenticeships.”
District Superintendent Joseph Bradley said the donation of the tablets and industry connections for the students are greatly appreciated.
“We’re very appreciative of the hands-on ability it provides us and we look forward to continuing our relationship,” Bradley said.
Koss said the job market is extremely strong for equipment operators and others in construction trades.
“It’s the busiest it’s been in a number of years. It’s a good time for students to be pursuing these careers,” Koss said.
Rich Barcaskey, who is also with CAWP, said the game is a fun way to teach students about apprenticeships.
“The idea behind this is to teach people how to get into the various apprenticeship programs. A lot of times laborers become future equipment operators.” Barcaskey said.
An additional free app, Job Pro, talks participants through an interview, addressing soft skills like eye contact, smiling and making sure your telephone has been turned off, as well as the questions applicants face.
“Rich and I help interview for all the heavy equipment operator apprenticeships. We also help develop the tests,” Koss said.
Starting wages for apprentice equipment operators run $25-26 an hour, plus benefits.
“Coming straight out of high school that’s not too shabby,” Koss said.
Barcaskey noted that employees in the construction trades tend to be off in the winter months, but have long hours during the construction season, which makes up for the down time.
“Our biggest problem right now as an industry is we can’t get people,” Barcaskey said. “This is a fun way to learn about an industry. It allows you to job shadow without going to the job.”
Christine Haines is a staff writer with the Daily Courier. She can be reached at 724-628- 2000, ext. 116 or [email protected].