Tech. Ed. Briefs
Tools for Teens
By Matt Vande Sande
Sep 15, 2006, 03:43

Tools for Teens
Local Groups Donate Tools, Money to the Mt. Horeb Middle School Tech Ed Department

MOUNT HOREB, Wisconsin — Sept. 7, 2006 — Vogel Bros. Building Co. of Madison, Mount Horeb Lumber of Mt. Horeb, and the Madison Area Builders Association are helping to put construction tools and materials in the hands of students through a donation to the Mount Horeb Middle School Technology Education Department. To help cover costs associated with Technology Education teacher Matt Vande Sande’s line-up of new classes that will help students understand how business, construction, and engineering operate in today’s changing world, Vogel Bros has donated tools valued at over $2,000, Mt. Horeb Lumber has opened a $250 supplies account for the Tech Ed Department and sold the school new tools at cost, and the Madison Area Builders Association’s Careers in Construction Task Force contributed $500 toward tools and supplies.

“WOW and thank you to Vogel Brothers, Mount Horeb Lumbar and MABA. We are very fortunate to have area businesses and organizations help to develop a partnership with our school. The donation of the equipment and tools will help in educating students about the fields of construction, engineering and business. Students will learn how to use the tools safely and properly to construct and build many different projects. It is going to be an exciting year at the Mount Horeb Middle School watching students develop lifelong skills that will help them today and tomorrow.”

According to U.S Department of Labor, construction is one of the nation’s largest industries with 8.3 million workers. By the year 2012, there will be a need for an additional 1.1 million special trades contractors, not including management, supervisory, and other professional positions. According to the National Association of Home Builders, there are more than 150 careers involved with building a home. Statistics like these have prompted MABA and its members to take a strong interest in educating young people, from pre-school to high school, about careers in the home building industry. Sponsorship of the Madison Children’s Museum’s upcoming “Building Boom” exhibit, annual coordination of the Building Trades Fair for local high schools, and work with MABA student chapters at Sun Prairie High School and MATC are a few of the ways MABA has lent the industry expertise of its members to young minds. MABA strongly believes that education is an important element in keeping the home building industry strong and its workforce replenished.


© Copyright 2005 by Wisconsin Technology Education Association