It’s common nowadays to hear the buzzing of saws and pounding of hammers when walking by Building 3200 on the Pensacola Junior College Warrington campus.
About 50 students in PJC construction-related programs – carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration – have built a 600-square foot house inside room 304 of Building 3200. The eco-friendly structure features a kitchen, utility room, bathroom, living room, dining room and three bedrooms. The kitchen, bathroom and utility room are full-scale.
The house is the first phase of a classroom-based, demonstration/training model made possible with a Lowe’s/SkillsUSA grant.
“It is a continuous, hands-on, green education program focusing on cutting-edge green construction technologies and how they positively affect the environment,” says PJC instructor Arnold Pearson, considered a master in the field of construction with 40 years experience.
Pearson says students adhere to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and LEED requirements. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED provides a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
Gulf Power Co. is also working with the students to promote energy construction through its EarthCents Home program – including how to properly install insulation and use high-efficiency lighting and appliances.
The national organization SkillsUSA is a PJC initiative that encourages students to consider vocational-technical careers and build skills in their chosen field of work. Students get hands-on experience, helping them gain a competitive edge.
For more information, contact Pearson at 484-2228 (PJC); 982-4034 (cell); apearson@pjc.edu.
