ACC builds Habitat home into program curriculum for trades students

Assiniboine Community College (ACC) and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s (HFHM) Brandon Chapter entered into a partnership today, creating a unique learning experience for students while providing a home to a deserving Habitat family.

Students in ACC’s construction trades programs will construct a home from the floor boards up as part of their curriculum starting in the fall of 2014. Carpentry and Woodworking, Plumbing, and Construction Electrician students will each have a hand in the process.

“This partnership truly encompasses the ‘learn by doing’ approach we take at the college,” said Mark Frison, President of ACC. “Students will gain real life experience in their fields while making a meaningful contribution to our community.”

“This is an incredible partnership that brings together the expertise of many in our community,” said Rick Wells, Chair of Habitat for Humanity Brandon. “These college students will have a direct hand in changing the life of a family.”

“This home is an example of a successful partnership that will be instrumental in stopping the cycle of poverty. A partnership like this engages the stakeholders of the future to build an affordable home for a Brandon partner family to purchase. We are very excited for the Brandon Chapter and look forward to supporting them in this new relationship with Assiniboine Community College,” said Sandy Hopkins, Habitat for Humanity Manitoba CEO.

The Brandon Chapter of HFHM will provide the materials and floor plans with the home being built on site at ACC’s North Hill Campus. Once finished, the home will be moved to its permanent location in Brandon and finishing work will get underway.

Pictured L to R: Sandy Hopkins, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba; Curt Shoultz, Dean of Trades and Technology; Mark Frison, President of ACC; Mayor Shari Decter Hirst; Rick Wells, Chair of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba Brandon Chapter