Plumbing and Construction Classes create hands-on project

It’s often said that the best way to learn a skill is to actually use that skill. Students in Cesar Gamez’s Plumbing and Construction classes at Castle Park High took that to heart. Using an old, worn out shed, the students built a functioning one room living space equipped with electricity, plumbing, carpet, cabinets and it even has voice and data/internet capabilities.

Students in the pre-apprentice courses were challenged by Gamez to create a space that someone could live in. “They have the capacity to do the job if they apply themselves,” said Gamez. “This is going to be a continuous working lab.”

With an emphasis in safety, students in these high school classes are taught to create building designs, follow blueprints and use a variety of hand and power tools. They also learn skills such as framing, roofing, electrical home wiring, plumbing, window installation, dry walling and painting.

The students began the project early in the second semester and had the opportunity to take on every aspect of what building a home would be. They installed dry wall, a toilet, a shower, cabinets, electricity, carpet, moulding and are working on installing an A/C unit. “We got to do everything,” said Sophomore Lenin Orozco.

Thanks to the project, students were able to collaborate with several local building companies and with the Sweetwater District Maintenance Department to learn their trade. This project has led to several internships for students and even a few job offers for the summer and after graduation.