At a summit sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the Associated Builders and Contractors represented efforts to instruct high school students in construction trades.
The High School Leadership Summit, held Oct. 8 in Washington, D.C., focused on finding ways to improve American high schools. This year’s event was centered on finding alternative methods of high school education, which include applied academics, where classroom learning is connected to workplace applications.
ABC was asked to speak because of its construction training programs that target high school students. Ed Capodanno, president of the Associated Builders and Contractor’s Delaware chapter, served as a panelist in a discussion session on new models for 21st century high schools.
“We have long recognized that we must make additional options available to our youth,” said Bob Piper, ABC region one vice chair. “Immediate transition from high school to college or university may not be the right decision for someone at that time in their life. ABC believes in viable alternatives, such as apprenticeship, craft training, careers with high skills/high pay and the concept of earning while you learn.”
In his presentation, Capodanno highlighted the session’s theme, “Creating Options for Engaging Students,” by speaking about the construction career path, education options that include apprenticeship and earning potential.
