ABC Delaware is the first chapter in the country to develop student chapters in the local high schools. The student chapters were formed in January 2002 in three (3) New Castle County Vo-Tech School district schools: Delcastle Technical High School, Hodgson Vocational High School, Howard School of Technology.
The student chapters are open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students in the following career areas: Technical Drafting, Sheet Metal, Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Electronics, Masonry, General Construction, Small Engine, Carpentry, HVAC, and Technology. Student requirements are the following:
- Minimum of 2.0 GPA
- Recommended by vocational instructor
- Recommended by counselor/co-op coordinator
The Student chapters meet once a month during the student activities period in the school day. This provides the opportunity for all members to attend the meetings without concern for transportation issues. The chapters elect their own officers and have both a school and ABC member sponsor.
The purpose of the program is to help students in their career exploration along with developing leaders and leadership skills for the students.
ABC Delaware student chapters are the first of its kind in the country. Normally chapters are formed at the university/college level. Our intent was to develop leadership skills with high school students and encourage their continued participation in the construction trades. Our current chapters have over 100 members
- Delcastle High School – 35 students
- Hodgson Vo – Tech – 32 students
- Howard School of Technology – 21 students
- St. George's Technical High School - 31 students
We believe the formation of student chapters at the high school level will encourage students to pursue a career in construction. We believe that our model will be the start for forming these student chapters in ABC chapters around the country.
Vo-tech students make jobsite visit at new UD state-of-the-art science lab
The ABC Delaware Careers in Construction Committee recently organized another jobsite tour for vo-tech students from Hodgson and St. George's to show students what a real construction site is like with all the trades working together on a specific project.
"We are very grateful for ABC's help in putting these tours together," said Career Counselor Bryan Moxley of Hodgson. "The opportunity to chat with tradespeople on the job really encourages the students about their career path."
"A highlight of the tour was the opportunity to see a recent St. George's grad--Tynesia Gant--working, for an ABC member on the jobsite," said Career Counselor Roger Seedorf of St. George's. "The students really enjoyed the opportunity to see what they are learning in class applied to a jobsite."
"Special thanks to Kris Satterfield, senior project manager with Whiting-Turner, and his team, for leading the students around the site," said ABC Delaware President Ed Capodanno. "Letting the students experience an active jobsite first-hand is very important to keep them encouraged about their career choice."
Scenes from jobsite tour
Whiting-Turner Senior Project Manager Kris Satterfield
explaining the complexities of UD science lab
before students head out to the job site.
Recent St. George's grad Tynesia Gant (left) of Spacecon
with her supervisor Rusty Turner during the jobsite tour at the UD.
OSHA officer shares safety mishaps and consequences with vo-tech students
As part of the alliance agreement/partnership between ABC Delaware and OSHA, Compliance Assistant Specialist from the Wilmington Area Office Vince Soss is continuing his presentations to students in the vo-tech schools. Titled "Hazard Recognition" the purpose of the presentation is to bring home the safety procedures taught in class and how failure to follow those procedures on a job site can cost someone a large fine, or more importantly, their life. "I urge you to look closely at this real life pictures," said Soss. "You sit here now and say 'I would never do that.' But someday on the job, you may be faced with the prospect taking short cuts over thinking of safety. Remember, you are not promised tomorrow. A huge precentage of what you see here could have been avoided and injuries prevented." Soss made his presentation to classes at St. George's Technical High and will be visiting the Hodgson in the coming week. Scenes from OSHA presentation 
Above: OSHA's Vince Soss during and after
his presentation at St. George's vo-tech. |
Soss made his presentation to classes at Howard Technical High School and Delcastle Vocational-Technical High School. He will be visiting the other schools following the holiday break
Above: OSHA's Vince Soss during and after
his presentation at Howard in Wilmington.
Above: OSHA's Vince Soss during and after
his presentation at Delcastle near Marshallton.