By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Usually when Barton Community College Construction Technology Instructor Matt Mazouch talks with local contractors, they ask Mazouch if he has any students interested in working for their business. Skilled trade jobs, like carpentry or plumbing, are in high demand.
At Barton, the college offers a construction technology program where students meet from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. each class. Once the semester ends, the student is equipped with knowledge on carpentry, concrete, roofing and siding.
"The earlier classes are a little more classroom based," said Mazouch. "We're doing approximately 75% classroom work in the beginning. At the end we're doing 75% to 90% hands-on work. As a class, we pick at least one big project or multiple small projects."
Mazouch said he has students that sign up for the course to gain knowledge to fix their own homes. Others want to enter the workforce immediately after completing the program and some want to know the basics before pursuing engineering or construction management degrees.
Students have participated in projects each semester such as constructing the press box at the Barton softball field or creating a driving range structure for the golf team.
"There's a driving range for the golf team that's been there a while," said Mazouch. "We just put a building over the top of it with a canopy to cover the golfers. They can practice in any weather. It has an inside portion where they can hit in the winter that will be heated. They can practice year round."
Degree maps and certificate programs through Barton can be found at bartonccc.edu.
Listen below to the interview with Mazouch on Cougar Pause that aired on 1590 KVGB & 95.5 FM.