Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 3/5/2024
PALMER — Until March 31, Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School will accept applications for its House Construction Program, the district recently announced.
This program enables Pathfinder students to build a house for the chosen applicant, Vocational Director Amy Skowyra told Reminder Publishing. Taking place “every few years,” the program has led to students constructing 12 houses in 60 years. The most recently built house was in Monson during the 2018-19 school year, as the program paused for the coronavirus pandemic, she said.
The House Construction Program allows Pathfinder Tech students to apply the skills they learned in the classroom to a larger scale while also helping their community, Skowyra explained. Through the project, students learn about regulations and the permitting process, making them “more employable” after graduation. The project also allows students to meet the state requirements for their curriculum.
“Where else can an 18-year-old graduate high school and have on their resume that they built a house?” Skowyra said, emphasizing how the experience not only allows students to see a house constructed “from blueprint to fruition,” but also develops a “sense of pride” for their accomplishment. After its completion, students will be able to drive by the house and say, “I built that,” she said.
To be considered for the program, an applicant’s buildable lot must be located in a Pathfinder Tech member town. These are Granby, Belchertown, Monson, Palmer, Ware, Warren, Hardwick, New Braintree and Oakham. Due to rising costs, the House Construction Program has the potential to save “significant” funds for chosen applicant, Skowyra stated.
After March 31, one application will be chosen by Skowyra, Superintendent Eric Duda and an instructor from the carpentry, electrical and plumbing departments, based on the project’s requirements and its benefits for students working on the house, Skowyra said. The chosen applicant will then be notified in mid-April. The actual construction by Pathfinder students will occur during the 2024-25 school year.
While the chosen applicant is responsible to ensure preliminary site work and evacuation are completed, Pathfinder students from grades 11 and 12 will complete the carpentry, electrical and plumbing components of the house. Each department’s instructor will divide students into small groups to accomplish tasks and supervise students’ work, Skowyra said. Instructors are “highly knowledgeable and highly skilled,” she said, emphasizing that instructors are licensed and experienced in their fields.
While the chosen applicant will act as the general contractor for the project, Pathfinder instructors will guide the resident through the house construction process, Skowyra said. This is in accordance with Massachusetts law.
To apply, residents should send the application form, the preliminary building plans, proof of three years of residency in a member town and proof of financial capacity to support the project to 240 Sykes St. in Palmer. The application, along with all required documents, must be “received” by Duda by 5 p.m. on March 31 to be considered.
For more information or to receive an application for the House Construction Program, contact Skowyra by phone at 413-283-9701, ext. 200 or skowyra@pathfindertech.org. Applications are also available on the district’s website.