College Tech Prep Business Partnership Activities

Build Your Future

The College Tech Prep Business Partners visit every high school in Guilford County to talk with students about the multiple career opportunities with their field and the education and training needed to be successful in those careers.  

David Sharpe, Construction Estimator for Weaver-Cooke, organized a Build Your Future 2001 career event for students enrolled in construction related fields. The event is sponsored by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. David invited a number of people employed in construction to speak with students about their career, how they became interested in construction, and to answer questions from students about careers in construction.

David explained that the estimator’s job is to determine how much the complete project will cost to build. An estimator must coordinate with all contractors involved in construction, (masonry, electrical, air conditioning, etc) in order to give an accurate cost prediction before bidding on a project. David told the students that 250,000 new construction related jobs will be needed each year. "These careers require strong math skills."

Kelly Bartes, Project Engineer with Weaver-Cooke, explained that her job is to keep communication flowing between the owner, architect, engineer, and contractor and to update all parties involved on changes that occur in the construction process. Kelly spent several years as an architect but realized that she enjoyed the variety that a career as a project engineer has to offer. She suggests that students get good basic skills and take advantage of opportunities to visit construction sites. "They will be way ahead of others and will be able to make more informed career decisions".

Mark Morgan, Business Developer with Weaver-Cooke works with owners during the predevelopment process, assisting them in decisions such as what size structure to build and where to locate. Mark worked as a Geotechnical Environmental Engineer "working in rocks and dirt" before beginning a career in the construction field. Mark feels it is important to take advantage of classes in construction related fields. "We did not have this opportunity when I was in high school. It helps you get an idea of what you want to do".

Tonya Ridgeway, owner of T. Ridgeway a commercial window company, works with general contractors to supply windows for commercial buildings. Tonya worked in sales before opening her own company and her job is to give the general contractor a bid for the cost of windows. If her bid is accepted, she will supply windows for the construction project. Tonya’s suggestion for success is to "develop a good attitude and people skills".

Stan Booker, Vice-President of AC Corporation, a mechanical and electrical contractor, reminded students that there is a wide variety of careers in construction, many of which do not require a college degree. However, they do require motivated students with highly developed technical skills and a willingness to continue education and training beyond high school.

College Tech Prep Business Partners assist Guilford County Schools (GCS) in reviewing curriculum to insure that the programs offered to students are current with national skill standards and incorporate the latest technology used in businesses today.  The Information Technology College Tech Prep Business Partnership was instrumental in bringing the Red Hat Academy to Guilford County.  The academy is the first in the world and will insure that our students have the opportunity to acquire IT certifications leading to multiple options after high school.  Pictured here are school board members, the mayor of Greensboro, Red Hat officials, Guilford County IT teachers, IT business partners, and the news media at the press announcement for the Red Hat Academy.  

Skill Development 

The College Tech Prep  Business Partners are an integral part of providing educational opportunities for the students in Guilford County Schools. With the help of the council, students are provided opportunities to read blueprints and work in simulated laboratory settings which mirror problem solving situations faced by engineers and technicians in today’s business world. The College Tech Prep  Business Council members assist in competency based skills demonstrations, senior projects,  and interview skills, as well as provide a valuable resource for information about the multiple career options for their field. They have been instrumental in securing funding for scholarships and encourage students to continue their education beyond high school.  

Apprenticeship opportunities for College Tech Prep completers extend the knowledge learned in the classroom and provide students with the tools to make informed decisions about post secondary education and career opportunities.  The CTP business partners are committed to providing students with experiences in all aspects of the industry.  

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