The Construction Technology Course (CTC), originally developed by Gilchrist Construction Company for area high school students has recently completed its 5th year. CTC began as a pilot during the 2008-2009 school year at Glenmora High School. Ten students successfully completed the class during that first year, and since that time other schools in our region have adopted it as part of their curriculum.

Focused on project-based learning and the development of skills that can be taken directly to the workplace or on to higher education, the program has continued to gain attention. It is a tremendous opportunity to educate our young adults, their families, and our region about good-paying careers in the construction industry......right here at home. It truly exemplifies our Core Purpose of "working together to improve ourselves, our industry, and our communities".

The course is open to juniors and seniors who learn skills and knowledge about the construction industry, earn dual technical and community college credits, and leave equipped with an industry-based certification (NCCER). We sponsor "hands-on" school projects which allow these young men and women to apply the skills that they have learned, and at the same time have a direct impact on improvements at their respective schools. GCC sends subject matter experts (SMEs) to help facilitate classes during the course of the school year. Many thanks to those who participated this past year.

During the past two program years, CTC has been offered in 5 regional schools in Rapides, Grant, and Vernon Parishes. We are proud to announce that we have completed our 5th year in those 5 schools with record numbers. Our retention rate (students initially enrolling and completing) was 90%, with 61 high school students earning an industry-based certification (NCCER):


Thanks to all our GCC employees who participated during the year, as well as our external partners, Diamond B Construction and the Orchard Foundation, for supporting CTC in our region. -Valerie Aymond, CRO May 30, 2013