SAN ANGELO, TX — The Construction Trades Craftsman program at Howard College San Angelo produced its first graduates since its conception this month. The first class of six students officially graduated December 6, and all of them are already employed and at work in the field.
“Graduates of the program are not only more employable but are also qualified for higher paying positions and promotions,” said Kaitlyn Brosh, Director of Marketing.
The extreme need for skilled labor in all construction fields lead to the partnership of several local and state organizations. The Texas Builders Foundation, San Angelo Home Builders Association and their members, Howard College San Angelo Foundation, Concho Valley Workforce Development Board with the Texas Workforce Commission, and the City of San Angelo Development Corporation came together with Howard College San Angelo to develop a plan and find funding and logistical support to develop a training program.
San Angelo builder Michael Biggerstaff spearheaded the effort and sold the concept to Howard and the City of San Angelo. Biggerstaff often quips, “You can’t find a plumber or a framer who isn’t already buried in work, and most of these guys are my age, getting up in years!” Construction trades job opportunities are plentiful in the regional economy and are an excellent and stable career field, Biggerstaff maintained. He put his money and sweat equity where his mouth was and completed a fundraising effort to jumpstart the program with community leaders.
Community leaders foresaw an opportunity to "grow our own" tradesmen to replenish the workforce for one of the biggest drivers for economic development — residential and commercial construction.
At the groundbreaking for the program in 2017, State Rep. Drew Darby explained the trades school is a culmination of many community organizations coming together to solve a local problem. He named Howard College, San Angelo HBA, the Texas Home Builders Association, and the San Angelo Health Foundation.
When the Howard College Construction Trades facilities were being erected, Biggerstaff and members from the San Angelo Home Builders Association volunteered their time and materials to finishing the classrooms themselves.
Darby recognized the vision of Biggerstaff. “I’ve got to single out one of my lifelong friends,” Darby said. “When you talk about a labor of love, you have to mention Mike Biggerstaff. This is his dream. This is his purpose. And for that, everyone in this audience and in the community should be thankful and blessed that we have a man like Mike Biggerstaff, and don’t forget his wife Connie.”
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Above: Mike Biggerstaff spearheaded the effort to get a construction trades curriculum at Howard College. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
“New program development can’t happen without tangible support from the key players in the community. Members of these organizations recognized a need and invested in creating a solution that not only gives community members an opportunity to learn new skills but also benefits local businesses and the local economy,” said Jamie Rainey, Workforce & Community Development Officer.
The program consists of traditional classes such as “Technical Math” and “Blueprint Reading”, but a significant portion of the program is hands-on learning. The students work together to build a fully functional “tiny house” that will be sold to support the continuation of the program. The final requirement before graduation is a 16-week internship where they work for a construction company to gain additional skills on a job-site.
“They learn about all aspects of construction; framing, plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, etc. They learn a little about all of it. Some might realize that they really like electrical work and decide to go be electricians, or roofers, or plumbers, but they are starting with a well-rounded understanding of the building process in general,” said Program Director Nelson Davis.
The six graduates will be recognized at the annual Howard College Graduation Ceremony on May 7, 2020 at the Foster Communications Coliseum at 6:30 p.m.
Students can start with the next class of Construction Trades Craftsman Program this Spring. Classes will begin January 13, 2020 and prerequisites are to be 18 years of age or older and have a High School diploma or a GED.
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