The Pump Track Kiosk is done, in the ground, and being used at Wilson Park in the City of Palmer. The Alaska Job Corps Carpentry students can check that particular project off their list. But their list is long.
In the last year, these students in employment training have done some amazing construction projects. Under the tutelage of Instructor Mark Cruthers, buildings have been erected and new shadows now grace the earth. Smaller projects are constant and all are for nonprofits and community.
The Job Corps carpenters are not alone in their task. Electrical students, training under the experienced eye of Instructor Ben Kainer, are also wiring for power; again their projects also are done for nonprofits and community—but involve dedicated training requirements and safety codes.
Building Construction Technology students have been doing just about everything else in facility maintenance training.
Here is a partial list of completed projects:
• Various picnic tables, signs, benches and large flower and vegetable portable growing beds for City of Palmer and Neighborworks’ “Grow Food” parklet.
• Park pavilions and Improvements in Reflections Lake area of Palmer Hay Flats Refuge and Matanuska River Park, Moose Creek and the Amoosement Park
• Walls and improvements for Church of the Rock
• Built a complete large building on Nuuciq Island’s spirit camp
• Training hundreds of younger youth at the large Construction Career Days fair with Department of Transportation
• Assisting United Way with projects including erection of Circus Tent for back to school supplies for low income children
The “to do List” is also long but in process projects are:
• Table/Bench Combos for Palmer Chamber of Commerce’s annual fundraiser auction
• Assist with “after fire” Willow Rebuild and Habitat of Humanity projects
The Job Corps program makes the most of training opportunities and public service as a terrific combo helping both the students—with on the job instruction, and assisting the community simultaneously.