Carpentry students cash in on Co-op partnership

Two students in the Carpentry and Woodworking program at Assiniboine Community College’s (ACC) Parkland Campus each received $1,000 in cash awards this past week, recognizing their academic accomplishments.

For the past eight years, ACC has partnered with the Dauphin Co-op. Each year, students and faculty build a ready-to-move home. Once completed, the home is sold for $5,000 above the cost of materials. Those extra funds are then given back to students in the form of cash awards.

A $2,000 award is given to the student with the highest overall achievement at the end of the first term (December). The remaining $3,000 is split equally amongst all students that achieve a 70 per cent average throughout their studies.

This year, the $2,000 incentive award was split equally between Kathy Gale and Nikki Welburn.

Throughout the construction of our house, I have been able to assert myself as a valuable team member,” said Gale. “The award has assured me and assisted my confidence that I, in fact, can make a successful career from this choice to return to school.”

“Having the chance to be a part of this project and learning how to build a house from the ground up has assured me that I made the right decision to pursue a career in carpentry,” said Welburn.

Another $3,000 will be awarded this spring among the students that achieve a 70 per cent average throughout their studies.

There are eight students in the Carpentry and Woodworking program at ACC’s Parkland Campus. Students are currently at the stage of seeking employment for their 120-hour work experience this May.

All eight students intend to continue on as apprentice carpenters.