Gadsden, AL — Students enrolled in the Construction Technology program at Gadsden State Community College are gaining practical experience while contributing to projects that benefit communities across Northeast Alabama.
Based at the college’s Valley Street Campus, the program combines classroom instruction with fieldwork, allowing students to apply construction techniques on real job sites. Instructor Heath McDaniel said the program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students spending approximately 80 percent of their training in the field.
Students attend classroom instruction on Mondays, where they learn core construction concepts before applying those lessons Tuesday through Thursday at project sites throughout the region.
“Our students get to work with their hands, make a difference in the community, and build something they’re proud of,” McDaniel said. “There are tons of opportunities in construction right now, and we want our students to be prepared to step right into those jobs.”
The program works alongside several nonprofit organizations, giving students opportunities to participate in projects that directly benefit local residents and organizations. Partnerships include Habitat for Humanity, Eagle Rock Boys Ranch, Windy Van Hooten Teaching Garden, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and The Dream Center.
Through these collaborations, students assist with different phases of construction projects, including framing and finishing work, depending on the training modules they are currently studying.
Support from the Greater Gadsden Home Builders Association also contributes to the program’s success by providing building materials, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities for participating students.
Students recently worked on a two-home construction project in West Gadsden in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The build provided students with hands-on construction experience while supporting efforts to provide housing for families in the area.
In addition to nonprofit partnerships, students complete projects through the college that further develop their technical abilities and teamwork skills.
The Construction Technology program serves communities across Northeast Alabama, with projects and training opportunities spanning from Anniston to Boaz.
McDaniel said the combination of technical instruction and community involvement helps students prepare for careers while also recognizing the broader impact of their work.
“It’s rewarding to see students realize they can build a career and make a difference at the same time,” he said.
