January 30, 2023
Story by Maggie Harris
SWAG合集 has offered dual credit courses at Larned High School since the early 2000s. Because of this partnership, some of LHS鈥檚 teachers are also SWAG合集 adjunct faculty. Students can enroll in general education courses such as college-level math and English to help get a head start on their college coursework. Now carpentry has joined the lineup.听
Carpentry has been available to LHS students for decades, but since Adam Hewson became an adjunct instructor for SWAG合集, classes like Introduction to Craft Skills and Carpentry Basics are available to students for college credit without ever having to leave LHS. Students can continue learning in a familiar environment, pick up a new skill and get a jump start on a certificate while they鈥檙e at it.听
鈥淲hen I returned to teaching three years ago, I found many things had changed in the world of career and technical education,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ne of the largest changes was the push by the state to graduate students from high school with meaningful and nationally recognized credentials.鈥
In response, Hewson set out to obtain certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), which is the same certification the SWAG合集 faculty hold. The construction industry nationally recognizes NCCER as a leader in training, assessment and certification.听
Hewson said his classes teach basic skills to students, like hand tool usage and identification, as well as employability and communication skills. Forty-three students were enrolled during the fall semester and most could utilize SWAG合集鈥檚 EXCEL in CTE program to take the course tuition free.听
鈥淲hat I like best about this program is that it is nationally recognized,鈥 he said. 听鈥淣CCER has a national registry that employers use to look up a student's credentials,鈥 he said. 鈥淓ach student is issued an ID number and a wallet card. 听An employer can put this number in the computer and see exactly what certifications the student has completed.鈥
Once students complete both classes at LHS, they are almost halfway toward earning their certificate in carpentry at SWAG合集. These students can continue the program following high school graduation to pick up four additional courses and graduate with a certificate and other industry credentials.听
鈥淎s I tell my students, it has always been my goal to stay local but if you do not necessarily want to stay in central Kansas, these certifications give you a great opportunity to connect with employers outside of the area,鈥 he said. 鈥淵ou will have the training they are looking for, so you can start a skilled career right out of high school.鈥
For more information, contact Coordinator of Community Education Karly Little at littlek@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9294