News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Livingston TCAT house building project allows students to gain specific construction skills.
That according to the Building and Construction Technology instructor Brandon Mullins.
“These houses that we build are ready to move into so everything from the beginning of the foundations to the very end of installing the cabinets and cleaning the house up for sale,” Mullins said. “These students get to see it all. So to enter into the workforce, they have been able to do a little bit of everything.”
Livingston TCAT plans to sell the student-built house. (Photo: Livingston TCAT Facebook)
Mullins said approximately 25 high school students and 25 full-time students worked on the house since February.
Each student has a different career goal. Mullins said some students train to become self-employed and others want to master specific skills.
“This has been a carpentry class, construction class,” Mullins said. “They are able to do everything from being able to do their framing, their electrical, their plumbing. They are able to fully complete a house.”
Mullins said he sees a high demand for construction workers in the Upper Cumberland, especially in Putnam County.
“I do my best to train these individuals to get out there to the workforce,” Mullins said. “Because it is nearly weekly I have employers calling me, wanting students to go to work. And my students right now are basically able to choose their jobs.”
Mullins said the high construction demand empowers his students in the workforce.
The TCAT students completed the 1,400 square foot TCAT house and have placed it up for bid. Mullins said the 26-by-54-foot house utilizes an open floor plan.
“When you walk in the front door the living room and kitchen is open and to the right side of this house is a master bedroom suite. It has a large master bedroom, a large master bath with a large walk-in closet,” Mullins said. “And on the left side of this house [there is] two guest bedrooms, a guest bath, with a couple of linen closets.”
TCAT will host an open house on Saturday, December 1. Anyone interested in purchasing the home should pick up a blank contract at the Livingston TCAT office. TCAT will accept bids until December 15.
