For a couple of hours every weekday, a group of high school students put down pencils and papers and pick up some non-traditional learning tools—things like hammers, power saws and T-squares.

The students are members of the first class of the High School Dual Enrollment School of Construction, a cooperative venture between Alachua County Public Schools and Santa Fe Community College (SFCC). Each morning the students attend classes at their zoned high schools, then travel to SFCC for construction classes. Much of their time at SFCC is spent doing hands-on projects that allow them to develop skills in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and electrical.

“I like that it’s a small class and that it’s hands-on,” said Megan Wood, a junior at Buchholz High School. “I’m not a person who just likes to sit there, I like to be moving around, working on something.”

Megan and her classmates will gain even more hands-on experience this summer. With the cooperation and support of the Builders Association of North Central Florida, they’ll go to work on job sites under the supervision of contractors. In addition to the valuable real-world experience, the students will also earn paychecks and high school credits.

Eventually, their work will also benefit others in the community. As part of the program, the students will build three-bedroom, two-bath houses at SFCC that will be moved to lots in the community for affordable housing.

Students who successfully complete the dual enrollment program have a number of options. They can go straight into the workplace, or they can move on to SFCC’s four-year apprenticeship program, which allows them to work full time by day at a construction job and attend classes for free two evenings a week. Over the four years, they can earn between $80,000 and $90,000, depending on the trade they pursue, then graduate as skilled journeymen.

Instructor Tony Pavai, who was himself a successful electrical contractor, says that whatever route they take, the students will have no trouble finding work in a construction industry that is desperate for skilled tradespeople.

“The demand is huge,” he said. “When these kids finish up here, they’re going to be snapped up like candy. They can go from being 16-year-olds in a dual enrollment program to being business owners at 25.”

That’s the route Buchholz senior Will Rains wants to take.

“I’ve got a godfather who is a contractor in Gainesville,” he said. “One day I’d like to be in his position, supervising people and telling them what to do!”

Pavai stresses to his students that the things they’re learning in their home schools are essential to their success in construction. Math, science, and communication skills are all critical, he says, as are ‘employability skills,’ such as teamwork and attendance.

“A well-rounded education is something you’ve got to have,” said Pavai. “That’s what gets you to the top of this business.”

Students and families interested in learning more about the Dual Enrollment School of Construction can contact Pavai at 395-5048.