Electricity students at Highland Springs Technical Center will attempt to wire a house in five hours while being supervised by local contractors and HSTC Electricity teachers involved. The students will be able to show off the skills they have learned, while also gaining important work experience tips from the contractors.
HOUSE
BUILDING PROJECT
The Program
Each year the students involved in housing industry programs in Henrico County are provided an opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom in a real life setting. They build a house! Through the Henrico County Vocational/Technical Education Foundation’s House Building Project, these students gain valuable experience that will help them make the transition from the classroom to a rewarding career in the housing industry.
Our Mission
The mission of the House Building Project is to provide real-life, hands-on experience to students involved in housing industry programs in Henrico County Public Schools.
Background
The House Building Project began with the formation of the Henrico County Vocational Education Foundation during the 1986-1987 school year and has since sold thirteen houses in Henrico County. Funds derived from the sale of a house are used to ensure the continuation of the project.
Henrico County Vocational/Technical Education Foundation, Inc. (HCVTEF)
The Henrico County Vocational/Technical Education Foundation Inc. is a volunteer, non-profit 501-C3 corporation whose purpose is to provide support for Career and Technical educational programs in Henrico County Public Schools. It is only through the guidance and leadership provided by the Foundation that we are able to carry out our project mission.
Schools
Students attending any high school in the county are eligible for enrollment in programs at a technical center during their Junior and Senior year. Three schools have programs with direct involvement in the House Building Project. They are:
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Plumbing:
Student activities include: establishing water and sewer services, installing plumbing systems and fixtures, and installing the heating ventilation and air conditioning systems.
• Hermitage Technical Center
Carpentry:
Student activities include: laying out the foundation, framing the structure, roofing, installing windows and doors, hanging vinyl siding and constructing the deck.
• Highland Springs Technical Center
• Academy at Virginia Randolph
Drafting/CAD:
Students develop working drawings for each house, and make design changes as needed.
• Hermitage Technical Center
• All High School CAD Programs
Electricity & Cabling:
Student activities include: establishing electrical service, determining electrical requirements, estimating materials, wiring the house, installing fixtures, installing receptacles and switches, and connecting appliances.
• Hermitage Technical Center
• Highland Springs Technical Center
• Academy at Virginia Randolph
Electronics:
Students participate by wiring the house for telephone and cable T.V., and installing a security system.
• Hermitage Technical Center
Landscaping and Horticulture:
Students develop and implement a landscaping plan for the house.
• Hermitage Technical Center
• Academy at Virginia Randolph
Masonry:
Student activities include: calculating and pricing materials, laying the block and brick foundation, constructing the front steps, and constructing the chimney and fireplace.
• Highland Springs Technical Center
• Academy at Virginia Randolph
