Construction center develops next generation of builders

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Three years ago when the Associated General Contractors was looking for a new training ground to get more workers to go into construction, Chattanooga City Councilman Chip Henderson suggested the local building association consider an abandoned elementary school in East Chattanooga.

When local leaders first viewed the former Mary Garber school on Roanoke Avenue, the 68-year-old facility was in such disarray that the school system was able to use only half of the 28,000-square-foot building for storage.

But on Friday after an $8.4 million renovation during the past year, the refurbished building was officially opened as a Construction Career Center that community leaders heralded as a model for the nation. The new center was developed and built with public and private funding and will provide needed training in high-demand carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical jobs for high school students and adult learners.

“This, like a lot of Chattanooga, is a rebuilt story where we have brought new life and purpose to an old asset,” interim Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce President Charles Wood said during a grand opening celebration at the center Friday.

In the dual enrollment program between Hamilton County Schools and Chattanooga State Community College, 80 students are already enrolled this fall from Howard and East Ridge high schools to earn one of five different construction certifications to go to work right out of school or pursue more advanced building trade skills. Next year, the school expects to enroll 160 high school students from Howard, East Ridge and Brainerd and 40 other adult learners to gain needed skills to help build infrastructure.

“This is one of the most impressive facilities that I have seen across the country,” Steve...