Sampson Community College’s Building and Construction Trades department already has a reputation in the community for producing quality workers through lots of hands on learning. Now, the program is looking to help the community in another way — by helping those who protect the community.
Barney Grady, department chair of the Building and Construction Program at SCC, was approached by Lt. Marcus Smith of the Sampson County Sheriff’s Department asking for help with a project.
The sheriff’s department was in desperate need of a shelter to house various equipment, to include an armored vehicle. Smith knew about the program and asked if SCC would be able to partner with them and assist with the construction of the building.
“The project is a different experience for our students for various reasons,” said Grady. “We primarily deal with residential construction within the program but this will be a little different as it’s not residential and it will provide students the opportunity to install a metal roof, which we have not done before.”
The plan calls for what amounts to a pole barn with metal roofing and SCC being located in an agricultural community, pole barns are constantly being constructed, so this will also provide the students the chance to make one.
The 30 x 50 foot equipment shelter was planned and laid out during spring semester. Several students have volunteered and are setting posts for the structure now. During the upcoming fall semester, SCC’s carpentry classes will be putting the roof and the finishing touches on. Just another way Sampson Community College is giving back to the community.
Anyone interested in the program and possibly the chance to help with this project by enrolling in the program, should call 910-592-8081 or visit www.sampsoncc.edu.