The Knox County Career Center Building Trades program has acknowledged ten students for achieving "Building Trades Elite" status. This recognition is part of a program initiated by Colby Clippinger, a former instructor, and the KCCC Building Trades Advisory Council during the 2019-2020 academic year. Joe Stallard, the current instructor, will continue this initiative.
The criteria for earning "BT Elite" status involve a point system based on attendance, discipline, industry credentialing, and extracurricular activities. Students accumulate points through consistent attendance and high grades while losing points for tardiness or disciplinary issues. To achieve and maintain this status until graduation, students must earn at least 250 points.
The program is fully sponsored by various companies that provide hoodies and interview shirts to the recognized students. The hoodies feature the Building Trades Elite crest and sponsor logos on the back, with the student's name and "BT Elite" on the front. The interview shirts also display "BT Elite" along with the student's name.
Clippinger and Stallard expressed gratitude towards their industry partners: "We appreciate the companies who have partnered with us on the ‘BT Elite’ program." They highlighted that seventy-two students have achieved this status since its inception.
Stallard added that they are eager to continue offering this program as it motivates students daily and benefits industry partners by providing well-prepared graduates.
The Knox County Career Center extends thanks to its sponsors including J & B Acoustical, Ohio Contractors Association, ProTech Basement Solutions, LiUNA! Local 1216, Kokosing, Corna Kokosing, Brennstuhl Construction, Modern Builders, Gray Mechanical, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 735, Holmes Rental & Sales, Meade Roofing Services, Small’s Sand & Gravel, Ellis Brothers, Igel, Ruhlin, Knox Concrete, ACP, Mack Industries, and Rietschlin Construction.
