Belmont teacher: 'We will always need a plumber, electrician or a construction worker'

Belmont Middle School students are gaining experience in practical work skills and possible career paths through a new hands-on construction class.

"I have always liked building things, which is why I chose to be part of this class last semester," said seventh-grader Bryson Marler.

Belmont Middle's Career Technical Education program allows students to take a look at construction jobs, later giving them the option to continue on with the class at South Point High School.

"The program is designed to contribute to the broad educational achievement of students. It has been very successful and the kids are enjoying it," Belmont Middle's Principal Susan Redmond said.

"Students may also take other classes such as computer science and business as part of the program," she added.

The class allows students to design and construct miniature buildings and houses with the help of first-year teacher Brooke Loftis.

"The construction section of the program grants kids the opportunity to build something tangible with their own hands and offers them a way to think creatively and solve problems," Loftis said.

"They have built bridges with popsicle sticks and have analyzed blueprints. They get a look into how things are built and how to take them from gravel to a building," she added.

In September, Loftis' class received a variety of materials from Blake Construction such as blueprints, safety glasses and other practical school materials.

Loftis' previous experience in the construction field has allowed her to work with different contracting businesses who have provided materials for Loftin's class to succeed.

Before entering teaching, Loftis worked for CaroMont Health as a capital and project coordinator in which she assisted with new construction and renovations, however; her passion was always in teaching.

"I always wanted to teach but I am also fascinated with buildings being created from a pile of materials. This class allows me to combine both passions," said Loftis.

The donated materials have allowed Loftin to make the most out of her class while teaching more than 100 students this semester.

"I have enjoyed building birdhouses and a gingerbread house with my teacher but my favorite part of this class was using the drill," said seventh-grader Nora Skarpalezos, who took the course last semester and is thinking of taking it once again in the fall.

While teaching her students, Loftis has introduced different possible career paths that students can take advantage of upon their high school graduation.

"Not everyone wants to go to college, so it is important to expose them to these trade jobs that they can obtain a good future from," Loftis said.

"Trade jobs will always be needed. We will always need a plumber, electrician or a construction worker, so these kind of classes are important for those students who are unsure of their future," she added.

"It's a new program so we are learning as we go so this is the beginning of more greater things to come," Loftis said.

Beatriz Guerrero can be reached at 704-869-1828 or on Twitter@BeatrizGue_.