LLCC hosted “Blueprint for Success” at Hillsboro High School

Press contact: Kyla Kruse

Group of eighth grade students standing in and around framed structure — (l-r): Alyce Cunningham, Clara Lentz, Adilyn Tyson, Maeley Frayer, Jacob Lenczycki, Davis Tomei, Nolan Adams, Dawson Pace, Mason Page, Nolan Klump and Leland Armbruster

LITCHFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College hosted a free, four-day Career Quest Camp, “Blueprint for Success,” May 27-30 at Hillsboro High School. Fifteen eighth grade students participated in the camp, which focused on hands-on construction skills.

Students learned about tool identification, workplace safety, measurements and cutting, electrical wiring, framing wall structures and drywall. The students were also given a tour by Kyle Pearson, O’Shea Builders, of the construction project at the new high school, where they will be attending school next year. They were able to see firsthand the careers, trades, people and skills that are involved in a project of this size to make it successful.

“Career Quest Camps provide opportunities for students to have fun while digging into an area of study like construction to learn more about this high-demand job field, the related career paths and get hands-on skill training,” said Dr. Joel Dykstra, associate vice president of academics at LLCC.

The camp was taught by Nathan Smay, building trades teacher at Hillsboro High School. Event sponsors were Laborers International Union of North America Local 1084 and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Union Local 270. They provided breakfast, snacks and drinks for the campers each day. This event was also made possible by funding pursuant to a grant from the Illinois Community College Board, which provided 100% of the funding for instructors through the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

LLCC’s Workforce Institute offers a certificate of achievement in construction technologies and an associate in applied science degree in construction management. For more information, visit www.llcc.edu/construction.