SCI students putting practical skills to work

Stayner Collegiate Institute’s shed program is a win-win for students and the community.

Local students in Fraser Burton’s Grade 12 construction class are available to build sheds for the cost of materials.

The customer gets a quality shed at a reduced rate and students get hands-on experience in residential construction.      

Burton said students love the challenge and the opportunity.

“All I am looking for is a learning experience for the students,” said Burton.

He recommends that materials be purchased at Stayner Timbrmart because they are strong supporters of the program, along with Alliston Home Hardware Building Centre and Zeggil Construction of Creemore.

Once arranged, the materials can be delivered to the school, where students work in groups to build the shed from the ground up.

Burton said it takes about 30 days for the students to complete a project.

People can also make arrangements through Stayner Timbrmart to deliver the sheds to their homes once complete.

Some of the students in the construction class are using the building projects to show off their skills for a chance to compete at a regional Skills Canada competition hosted by the Simcoe County District School Board in March. SCI is sending a team of four to the shed building competition and another two to the general carpentry competition. Winners from the regional contest will go on to compete at the provincials.

People interested in a shed are asked to contact Burton at fburton@scdsb.on.ca to get a plan and materials list. Typical sizes are eight-by-12 feet, eight-by-10 feet, eight-by-eight feet and six-by-eight feet.