BOZEMAN, Mont. – Bozeman School District is introducing a new program designed to teach students practical construction skills. The initiative, spearheaded by Career Outreach Coordinator Karl Schwartz, aims to equip students with real-world experience in construction, preparing them for careers in the field.

Students from both Bozeman high schools can enroll in a year-long course focused on carpentry and construction. The program offers dual enrollment credits from Gallatin College, allowing students to earn up to three college credits upon completing the course.

Schwartz highlighted the program’s value, stating, "When we get students into career technical education classes where they have the opportunity to work with their hands and create, they all of a sudden realize that that's something they're passionate about."

The curriculum includes building sheds and introduces students to various construction fields, including electrical work and plumbing. The program aims to provide students with enough experience to pursue apprenticeships with local companies, a sector currently in high demand.

Schwartz also shared, "And that's a whole pathway into that career that really hasn't been marketed to high school students that much. And so part of my job as the career outreach coordinator is to just expose our students to the options that are out there that don't require the traditional four-year college track."

This new program offers a valuable alternative to traditional college education, providing students with practical skills for entering the workforce.