The Sierra College Construction and Energy Technology program provided vital skills to students Lizzie Hinkey and Jordan Pinkham who are applying what they learned while working full time in the field.


Rocklin CA (PRWEB) April 25, 2016

Sierra College students Lizzie Hinkey and Jordan Pinkham have benefited from course work in Construction & Energy Technology (CET) as they prepared for careers in the building industry.

Those interested in construction and energy careers and who want to learn practical in-demand skills can attend the Sierra College CET Open House on Wednesday, April 27 to meet the faculty and learn more about the program. It will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM in Building H, 5000 Rocklin Rd., Rocklin, CA. RSVP to Steve Geiger (916) 660-7843 or sgeiger(at)sierracollege.edu to get a parking pass.

Pinkham currently attends Sierra College, works full-time as an Engineering Technician for the City of Rocklin, and plans to transfer to California State University Sacramento (CSUS) in Spring 2017 to continue his studies in Civil Engineering. Hinkey has also worked full-time in construction while attending Sierra College, and currently works for A-Tach Construction & Engineering, Inc. in Loomis. She took advantage of the Sierra College transfer agreement to enroll in the CSUS Engineering -- Construction Management B.S. program.

Hinkey indicated that when she started Sierra College, she aimed to become a high school teacher. “Then I started working in construction,” said Hinkey. “I fell in love with the work. After I took some construction classes, I decided to make this my career. I really liked the well-rounded business perspective of the instructors and their knowledge of the industry. I decided to get a double major in business and construction management.”

Both Hinkey and Pinkham feel that what they learned from the Sierra College faculty members who work in the industry gave them advantage in pursuing further education and employment. Hinkey enjoyed the industry speakers and field trips most of all. “The best part was hearing real life stories,” said Hinkey. “The faculty helped me develop an idea of what I wanted to do in construction. Once I figured out that out, it was a huge motivator to finish school.”

Pinkham took a contracting class that provided background that he uses on the job. “In class, we learned how to write specifications, develop an estimate and schedule projects, such as remodeling a bathroom, from a private sector perspective,” said Pinkham. “A lot of what I do as an Engineering Technician for the City of Rocklin is project management, developing five year budgets based on engineering estimates and planning with other city departments and outside agencies. The class gave me a better sense of the workflow and who is involved - developers, contractors, architects, landscape architects, engineers, electrical and plumbing.”

The industry connections were invaluable, explained Pinkham. “The instructors shared real experiences about what they had encountered at jobsites. It was also helpful to network with industry mentors who were guest speakers.”

“The Sierra College Construction and Energy Technology program offers students a chance to learn hands-on skills that they’ll use in their careers,” said Pinkham.

Hinkey also feels that Sierra College prepares students to pursue opportunities in this field. “The construction industry provides a variety of career opportunities.” said Hinkey. “The classes that are offered through the Sierra College CET program will give you a good base to identify what you want to do in the industry. You are guaranteed to learn something new every day.”

Those who like working with their hands may be interested in coming to Sierra College to earn certificates or degrees in Residential Building Construction or Construction Management, or Photovoltaic Advanced Skills Certificates.

About Sierra College
Sierra College District is celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2016, and the Nevada County Campus in Grass Valley is celebrating 20 years. Sierra College serves 3200 square miles of Northern CA with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four year Universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region.