BUTTE — Some construction students from Montana Tech in Butte are putting what they’ve learned into action.
About 26 students from the building concepts lab at Tech’s Highlands College donated their time to put metal panels along the walls of the Community Ice Center at Clark’s Park.
“I’m a big hands-on person, and I know a lot of these other kids are as well. There’s nothing wrong with the classroom; it’s just nice to get out and put what you’ve learned in the classroom to use out in the field,” said student Logan Kolodejchuk.
The students and staff, along with Markovich Construction and Building First Source, who donated the materials, provided their skills and labor for free to the project. It’s part of Montana Tech’s goal to provide community service.
“Any involvement that we can do in the community to help any organization out we do,” said Montana Tech Instructor Mike Fink.
Students say applying what they’ve learned helps them become better. Plus, its fun to get out of the classroom.
“It’s fun watching the hockey teams in here play, the rec league and the Cobras and seeing the young ones coming in and out. It’s good knowing we’re benefiting the whole community of Butte,” said Kolodejchuk.
When you consider the cost of the materials and the labor, a job like this could cost up to ten grand, but for the staff and students at Montana Tech this job is about taking pride in their community and giving back.
“Like I tell the kids, you know, take an honor in being part of this, this is something that’s going to be around for a long time after you’re gone through the program and something you can be proud of that you contributed with,” said Fink.
The class is expected to do some volunteer labor for the new Southwest Montana Veterans Home in the coming weeks.
