WILLISTON, N.D. - Williston State College has announced that its Residential Carpentry Program is taking applications for admission. Registration is set for June 29 from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. on the WSC campus. According to Instructor Bruce Johnson there will be limited enrollment so early registration is encouraged. The semester begins with orientation on Aug.22.
Students who successfully complete the program will attain entry-level skills. Graduates will have many employment opportunities in North Dakota and especially in the western part of the state. In our region, carpenters are in great demand as the housing market increases and is projected to continue growing for the next 10 to 20 years.
The Residential Carpentry program is a one-year program, taking two semesters to complete. Students can earn a certificate or complete a second year of general education courses, in order to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. They may also choose to apply for the apprentice training programs to complete journeyman carpentry requirements. Part of the program will also include a week-long internship with a local contractor. This is a chance to make local connections and to have real-world experiences.
High school students can take Carpentry 119 for dual-credit as offered by WSC. This course will be considered an elective and can't be used to replace any first year courses but will be helpful in preparation for the carpentry program.
With financial assistance from the WSC Foundation, the purchase of a house at 819 W. Broadway was made possible. The house will be remodeled and give students the opportunity to have a hands-on project, helping them gain valuable skills.
"Bruce gave a great presentation to the foundation board and they thought it was a good project to be involved with," stated WSC Foundation Director Terry Olson. "Our goal was to find properties that either could be purchased or donated to the college for remodeling."
This home met the learning objectives for the program by being able to provide students an opportunity to remodel a home and to also get a feel for new construction by putting an addition on an existing home.
By purchasing this home, remodeling and selling it, the WSC Foundation and WSC also have an opportunity to meet Williston's need for housing. The profit received from the sale of the home will be used to fund next year's projects.
Johnson added that they will be looking for more project homes to remodel once the current home is completed.
For more information, contact Bruce Johnson at 774-4205.