East High School Students Complete Tiny Home

Sixteen students build a one-room house in a couple of hours. The event was sponsored by the Walters State Division of Workforce Training.

Construction Experience Sponsored by Workforce Training

     Walters State Community College and Morristown-Hamblen High School East gave the Special Education Work-Base Learning class a day on a construction site.
     Sixteen students built a one-room house from the foundation to the roof in a couple of hours on the Morristown Campus.
     “Seeing the excitement and confidence of students grow as they turn some boards into an actual structure. Hammer Build projects are some the most rewarding projects we offer,” said Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton, director of youth programs in the college’s Division of Workforce Training.
     “Students saw how classroom knowledge, including math, is used on an actual worksite and in construction. Many worked with power tools for the first time. They also realized the importance of communications and teamwork,” Cardwell-Hampton said.
     The morning started with Scott Payne, an instructor with Walters State’s Division of Workforce Training, dividing students into teams and stressing the importance of safety. He has led 36 of these Hammer Build projects for Walters State. This one was no different than any others. Students completed the same project and met the usual requirements.
     LeeAnn Maness, special education work-based learning teacher, said this is one of many ways that Morristown East prepares students for adulthood.
     “Our goal is to help students transition into the real world, and that includes entering the workplace. We want to give them the opportunity to experience as many workplaces as possible,” Maness said. 
     She added that, by sharing so many experiences, students can find work they enjoy doing, of long-term success. 
     “We have students working in various jobs sites in Hamblen County. They may work in grocery stores, retail establishments and other places in the community. Students work Monday through Thursday,” Maness added. “We didn’t have a job site that was anything like this event. A lot of students do want to learn more about construction. This is a great experience for students.”
     Student Ashley Gray of Russellville enjoyed using the tools and being part of a project outside of the classroom.
     “I’ve never done anything in construction, although I have helped my dad on a few projects,” Gray said. “This has taught me how to work with my classmates as a team and how important communication is.”
     Gray said she may use her newfound skills to tackle some projects in the future, her career goals are to work in education or healthcare. 
     High school students weren’t the only ones gaining experience. Special education majors at the college served as adult team members.
     “Special education isn’t always just in the classroom,” said Misty Hayes, assistant professor of education and early childhood education.
     “This is a great way for my students to see how different skills may be taught. They are now practicing teaching skills learned in my classroom.”
     This was Walters State’s 36th Hammer Build for area youth. Funding is provided through a Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) grant. The GIVE program is administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and is designed to address skills gaps in Tennessee's workforce by supporting the development of career pathways that connect secondary education, postsecondary institutions and local employers.