CHESTERTOWN — Gillespie Precast has made what was described in a news release as “a generous donation” to support the Kent County High School Career and Technical Education [CTE] construction trades program and its student-led shed project.
The project provides students with hands-on experience as they design, build, market and sell a shed, then reinvest proceeds into future projects.
Through the process, students develop skills in construction, teamwork, budgeting, materials management, marketing and sales.
“Gillespie Precast’s support helps provide students with valuable real-world learning opportunities while strengthening the workforce pipeline for the skilled trades,” according to the news release from Kent County Economic & Tourism Development and the Upper Shore Regional Council.
Gillespie Precast, a fifth-generation family-owned company headquartered in Chestertown, has been manufacturing concrete products for more than a century. Established in 1922 as Gillespie and Son Inc., the company evolved in 2004 to focus on precast operations, according to its website.
The Kent County High School CTE program and its partners thank Gillespie Precast for its commitment to workforce development and student success.
There are currently 11 Career and Technical Education pathways available for Kent County High School students. Students can earn certificates and be program completers in pathways ranging from automotive, pre-engineering, broadcasting and construction to teaching and nursing, giving them a head start on a post-high school career. For more information, see https://www.kent.k12.md.us/CTEProgram.aspx.
In addition to financial contributions, local businesses are encouraged to engage with Kent County High School CTE students through internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, company tours, classroom presentations, résumé reviews, mock interviews and other career exploration activities.
Businesses interested in donating money, materials or expertise can contact Kent County High School’s career counselor Brett King at 410-778-3800.
Businesses interested in supporting CTE students or learning more about ways to engage can reach out to Nancy LaJoice, Upper Shore Regional Council CTE liaison, at 410-490-5744.
