LCPS to Partner with KCC in Innovative New Program

LUNENBURG – Lunenburg County Public Schools Superintendent Charles Berkley introduced a new program for approval by school board members that will be starting at Central High School and further highlights the partnership between the local schools and community.

This new program is something that has been brought up and discussed between school officials and a prominent area business. Mr. Berkley said that a program between LCPS and Kenbridge Construction Company has been outlined that will allow students to work in the construction industry in this first of its’ kind apprenticeship program, earn money and earn credits.

Mr. Berkley said that this partnership will help provide an apprenticeship program  for some of “our students”  in the areas of commercial construction, residential construction, clerical, and technology.

He noted that the program would be available to juniors and seniors at Central High School that meet criteria such as GPA considerations, attendance, good behavior and willingness to work in a construction venue. He said  that this idea was born out of the foresight of this local company to look toward helping the schools and also possibly adding to their workforce in the future as well as school officials looking at all opportunities to help students advance in career areas.

Mr. Berkley said that Lunenburg had been a leader among school divisions in previous years with their firefighting program and he envisions this program being similar in helping promote workforce options for students.

The program is called the PACE Program (Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Education) and will give high quality trade-related instruction to individuals seeking entry into the construction industry.

Mr. Berkley stated, “We are excited about offering another avenue of education and job related experience to our students.”

Kenbridge Construction Company President Emory Hodges stated, “This program prepares students for high-skill, high wage and high demand jobs in our community. Allowing Kenbridge Construction Company and Lunenburg County Public Schools to partner and implement this program will bring rewards to both parties and most importantly provides opportunities and training for our students.”

The program will offer an after school model for high school students that is  available and aligned with other high school models. It will provide out of school experiences that keep them engaged and motivate students to stay in school and it will cultivate their interest in the construction world and prepare them for college or career choices.

Mr. Berkley said that the program will be diverse with opportunities to not only get hands on field experience, but to offer clerical, accounting and project management skills to students.

Mr. Hodges stated, “It is our hope that this program will lead to trained and valuable resources for the construction industry.”

Kenbridge Construction Company will be responsible for ensuring child labor law compliance, will participate in mentoring and training the students and will provide safety training  and equipment for the students.

The partnership program will help students possibly be placed in an apprenticeship program beyond high school or help with admission to a Technical School or College. The program was unanimously approved by the school board members who noted that this can help bring additional 21st Century work options to students interested in the construction field. Board member Beverley Hawthorne noted that this program could also possibly work in conjunction with other SVCC programs that are available in this field of study.

Mr. Berkley said that he would be finalizing a report on this program and looking to move forward with implementation into the curriculum in the near future with additional details in coming months.