Mastic Beach, NY - December 8, 2016 - In what has become a semi-annual tradition of helping members of the William Floyd community, students from Matthew Van Horne’s 12^th-grade carpentry class assisted Habitat for Humanity with the construction of a home in Mastic Beach.

Photo courtesy of WFHS.

Under the guidance of Mr. Van Horne and Habitat for Humanity workers, students were tasked with tearing out and installing new insulation for the home. They also performed demolition on the front porch and began framing up a new one. Students also met the future owners who thanked the students personally for their help. The home is expected to be finished later this month in time for the holidays.

“I feel that it’s important for the program to assist in any way that we can in giving back to the local community,” said Mr. Van Horne. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity for the students to visit an actual job site where tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters can also lend their expertise.”

The Building Trades & Construction Academy is one of six Career and Technical Education Academies at William Floyd High School designed to help students become career and college ready.

Building Trades & Construction offers a two-year program that combines hands-on skill development and technical training providing students with a basic understanding of the competencies needed to perform as an entry-level carpenter, carpenter’s apprentice or carpenter’s helper.

Additional possible career paths include window/door installation, kitchen/bath installation, general contractor, drywall installation, rough carpenter, finish carpenter, roofer, mason’s apprentice, electrician’s apprentice and more.

Student that complete the program possess the entry-level skills needed for the construction industry and can also continue on to post-secondary education. Students who successfully complete the program have the opportunity to earn advanced college credits through SUNY Delhi.