For young adults that like to work with their hands, want to avoid college debt and fast-track their career, working in the trades is a viable option. Columbia-Greene Community College’s Construction Technology program, established in 2019, gives students the opportunity to learn all the ins and outs of construction, including framing, siding, roofing, basic plumbing and electrical to door and window installation.
As part of this one-year certificate program, students build two tiny houses. Mounted on a towable chassis, each house measures 20’ (length) X 8’ (width) X 13’6” (height) and includes a fully outfitted kitchen, bathroom with shower, mini-split heating unit, sleeping loft, and much more.
At the end of the school year, the houses are auctioned off. In 2024, the houses brought $59,000, which directly supported the Construction Technology program. Houses can also be commissioned. Catskill residents Mark Gustavson and Nancy Nosiglia recently purchased a tiny house built by college students for their new property in Coxsackie.
This year’s program had 15 students, including Jose Agular of Coxsackie who came to Columbia-Greene after completing a two-year program at Questar in high school.
Jose is completing an internship with Thompson Home Inspections in Catskill this summer and plans to become a union carpenter.
“There’s nothing better than watching the students learn a skill and a trade and go out there and prosper,” said John Moree, a technician for the program.
After completing the program, students can immediately find employment in many areas of construction such as framing, finish carpentry, siding, roofing plumbing, and electrical.
“A lot of students choose either through their internship after this program or before this program to couple this with a business degree so that they’re bringing those skills into their future career as well,” said Laura Goodwin, Executive Director of the Columbia-Greene Community College Foundation.
With additional focus in historic preservation, students can contribute to restoration, preservation, and rehab work on homes and landmarks. Students can also seamlessly transfer to SUNY Delhi to continue for a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management; Design and Building.
If you want to learn more about how to Make It In Greene, check out our free helpful business guides and contact the Invest In Greene team by email or phone at 518-719-3290.
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Topics: Success Stories
