by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
Construction in the classroom ... it’s where it can start.
The Construction Management Department at the University of North Florida, in collaboration with NEFBA, has been a starting ground for students who are going into the construction industry for many years.
Both students and those in the construction industry have found the program to be very beneficial to the students and community.
Glenn Layton, chapter advisor for the Construction Management Program and division president of Woodside Homes, said it is a great opportunity for the construction students at UNF to get to know the building community before they begin their career.
“We promote the residential side of the construction industry to the students,” he said. “We provide them with service learning opportunities through Builders Care to get them involved.”
Layton, a graduate of UNF and was a student in the Construction Management Program, said these students have a great knowledge and background of the construction industry after they graduate.
“The program is very hands-on and that gives them great experience,” he said. “I have hired several students from UNF. They are ready to get to work.”
NEFBA provides the students with service learning projects, scholarships, support at local and statewide competitions and donations for building supplies.
David Hacker, a senior at UNF majoring in building construction management, said there are two major components to the program — community involvement and getting the students experience in the field.
He explained that the program is set up like a small construction company, but as a non-profit. As you go through the ranks from a freshman to a senior, the student’s job title changes. Underclassmen get a lot of experience by doing the actual work and the upperclassmen become supervisors.
“They (NEFBA) are very supportive of the program,” said Hacker. “We have developed good relationships in the past few years with the construction community and that helps when you are looking for a job.”
Chris Rohlinger, a senior at UNF majoring in building construction management, said he appreciates all of the opportunities NEFBA and Builders Care has given them.
Layton said they have the Arnold Tritt grants that are awarded twice a year during the fall and spring semesters to the students. He also explained when the students are working for Builders Care, they pay the students in the program like they are regular contractors.
“We want to show them the industry here because it is a viable option for them to find jobs after they graduate,” he said.
Dr. Maged Malek, chair of the Construction Management Department, said UNF has a very dynamic program that continues to grow each year.
“We are responding to the needs of the industry in our area as well as nationally and internationally through our study abroad programs,” he said. “Jacksonville’s construction industry has been very helpful to us by providing us with advice and input.”
Malek said a major part of the program is the service learning requirement.
“It is a way for us to give back to the community,” he said. “We have a very hands-on program and having the local construction industry’s support is very crucial.”
Aside from doing construction work, the students also volunteer to work at events.
“They are drivers during the Parade of Homes and they can help us at builder functions,” he said.
“We try and get them to network with as many builders as they can and it is a great way for them to come up with internship opportunities as well,” said Layton.
Here are some of the projects:
• Remodeled houses for Gateway Community Services.
• Put a new roof on Boys Home dormitories.
• Provide drivers for Parade of Home Judges
• Built a gazebo and dock for Alden Road Elementary with a local Rotary Club.
• Painted the exterior of eight houses for Gateway Community Services.
• Reroofing and remodeling homes/businesses for Builders Care.
• Built a sun room and porch for a daycare with UNF nurses.
The students are also invited to attend NEFBA’s monthly meetings, and NEFBA members are invited to attend the student’s Construction Management Association meetings.
“We are like a big family,” said Hacker.
Hacker is planning to stay in Jacksonville after he graduates next month.
“I definitely plan on keeping my ties with NEFBA strong after I graduate,” he said. “In the past couple years I have made great contacts and met people who have given me a lot of guidance.”