On a chilly day in December, over 50 students in the Construction and Maintenance program at Cumberland Perry Area Vocational Technical School got a look at an active work site for the future home of the West Shore Bureau of Fire.
Two groups of first year students interested in carpentry, masonry and welding traveled to the site where the West Shore Bureau of Fire’s new home is currently being built by Pyramid Construction. Upon arrival and after being outfitted with the proper safety gear including hardhats and protective eye wear, the students gathered outside the trailer that serves as an office for Pyramid’s project superintendent.
Pyramid’s Safety Director Mike Zellers spoke about the importance of safety in the construction industry.
“Our ultimate goal is making sure our people get home at the end of the day. It’s not about making money, deadlines, or any of that – it is the safety of our workers. That’s number 1# priority on all of our jobsites.”
Zellers went on to describe some of the types of safety protocols that they would be see on the job site including the fall protection system.
In the afternoon, Owner’s Representative, Dennis McGee recounted for the students the process of selecting a construction company once they were ready to move forward with the project. From 10 companies, Pyramid was picked because of the strong local ties the company has, McGee explained.
Pyramid’s Project Manager Bruce Wiest described the satisfaction that comes with working with your hands. “It’s a rewarding job. You build a project like this, and the community benefits. Other times, you’re building a small business for someone. You’re helping to build a dream.”
Inside the trailer, small groups got a chance to look over the building plans for the project with Pyramid’s Project Superintendent, Jeff Riccio. Riccio went over what each specialty should be looking for in the plans, taking time to relay information and the importance of asking questions, saying that “I learn something new every day. You never stop learning on the job.”
The group then moved on to the work site, where several different types of activities were observed, including welding of metal roof joists and erecting of structural wall studs.
This field experience in the construction industry is one way of cultivating the next generation of workers. Currently, the construction industry is challenged to find skilled labor. Pyramid is dedicated to generating interest in students who will become the carpenters, welders and masons of tomorrow.
A Family Tradition
Pyramid Project Manager Mike Deimler joined son Mike on the tour of the site. The passing on of vocational tradition is strong within construction and is one way the industry is hoping to keep skilled trades vibrant in the future.
