work study wrap up - round 2
We wrapped up another semester of work study students this spring. Parker and Cooper were both kind enough to sit down to speak with me about their experience working in the shop. It was very affirming to hear how our hands-on, apprenticeship approach to teaching skills in the workplace was very effective for them. The work study program is a little bit trial by fire, both literally and metaphorically. As the students learn to use fire to form metal, they are given the trust and space to own the process and figure it out as they go.
“I’ve tried to think of something to say for ways to improve the program, and I can’t think of anything.” Parker knew I was going to ask him what we can do to help make the program better for the next round of students.
Parker said he liked how everyone at the shop worked hard, tried to do their job efficiently and was very inclusive. He felt like everyone was really helpful and not too critical if you made a mistake practicing a new skill.
Parker took a welding class his junior year of high school, but he says he didn’t like learning in a classroom. Instead, he preferred the hands on learning he got in the shop where he got to practice skills in cutting metal, grinding, and welding. “I learned 10 times more at Smithworks than I did in the classroom.”
We wish Parker luck as he continues onto pursuing a career as a jack of all trades in construction management. “You don’t have to be a doctor or a lawyer to have a good life,” Parker said. He’s right.
Cooper only had a little experience with metal fabrication before starting the work study program. He did a class with Jason and figured since he was dating Jason’s daughter, he could probably get some extra practice in.
Cooper said working at the shop was fun and flexible, and that he was sold on the experience on day 1. Everyone is very close, and he made some great friends. He did say, “It’s a dirty job. No matter what I clean, everything is dirty. And it’s hot!”
It can be hard for students to get started in the program. There’s a lot of figuring stuff out on their own, but they have a lot of trust. Day by day, they accumulate skills in welding, drilling, fabrication, blacksmithing, and problem solving, and it all builds up to create confidence in their ability to see a project take form from concept to finished product.
Cooper said he had no clue what he wanted to do next, but we sure hope he comes back to work at the shop again next summer.