Construction industry group to support new Holton Center
November 5, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Gloria Woods-Weeks, Principal, Holton Career & Resource Center,
560-2219 Lisa Pineiro, Durham Careers in Construction, Technical Services, Inc., 620-8909
DURHAM—A local organization of construction professionals announces a partnership with the new Holton Career and Resource Center that promises to ensure a stronger and well-prepared pool of candidates for success in the construction and design industry.
Durham Careers in Construction will partner with the school’s construction program to provide materials, mentors, job shadowing and internships for Holton students. They also will work with instructors to develop curriculum.
The announcement was made today at Holton. The group sponsored the delivery of materials that students will use in their first project – building storage sheds to allow students to practice and to learn proper building techniques.
Lisa Pineiro, President of TSI and Chair of DCIC, said that the group is excited about expanding support in Durham Public Schools.
“It is imperative that industry professionals take a vested interest in the education of our young people and in preparing them for jobs, whether after high school or postsecondary pursuits,” said Pineiro. “We are thrilled to be working with the Holton construction program, its instructor and students, to ensure that we spark and cultivate students’ awareness and interest in this great and potentially lucrative career field.”
Durham Careers in Construction is a local non-profit comprising a group of construction industry professionals and related organizations committed to introducing careers in construction to students, beginning in elementary school. The organization has provided mentors and has contributed monetarily and in other ways to encourage interest in the profession since 1998. DCIC has partnerships with a number of schools in the DPS system, including the Career and Design Academy at Southern High School.
“The wonderful folks at Durham Careers in Construction personify what we all should be doing to assist our students in having solid information about careers, along with the skills they need to pursue them,” said Superintendent Carl Harris. “We are grateful to them for setting such a great example for over a decade, and for strengthening their commitment through this fantastic new partnership.”
Also at today’s announcement, the Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council, represented by Chair Kirsten Weeks of Cisco, applauded the support by Durham Careers in Construction and pledged support for Holton.
The Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council is a group of approximately 40 area business leaders who support DPS.
Holton opened in August. It provides training to students from all DPS high schools in career areas.
