CertainTeed-ABC collaboration prepares students

An ongoing partnership between Valley Forge, Pennsylvania-based CertainTeed Corporation and leading building products distributor ABC Supply Co. is helping prepare carpentry students at a Massachusetts technical high school for the workforce with important industry training. 

For six years, representatives from CertainTeed and ABC Supply’s Fall River, Massachusetts, location have made visits to Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School in Bourne, Massachusetts, to give hands-on instruction in the proper installation of vinyl and polymer siding and PVC trim. Students who successfully complete these sessions can earn CertainTeed Master Craftsman installer certification, which gives them a leg up as they enter the workforce after graduation.

“One of our goals is to help our students get real world construction experience and earn as many professional certifications as they can, because those things make them more employable after they graduate,” said Robert Dutch, superintendent of Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School District. “Having access to this level of expertise from CertainTeed and ABC Supply, has really benefitted the students of our carpentry program. They’re great with the kids, too -- they’re able to break things down and communicate it in a way that the students understand.”

The high school’s carpentry program has always pursued large, real-life projects, such as constructing or remodeling campus buildings, to give students more hands-on experience with trade skills. Their most recently completed building was the school’s 10,000-sq.-ft. Nursing and Allied Health Education Center, which features Cedar Impressions Triple 5-in. Straight Edge Polymer Perfection Shingles in Sterling Gray, Cedar Impressions 6-1/4-in. Half Round Shingles in Granite Gray, Restoration Millwork PVC Trim and Landmark roofing shingles. The school has used this blend of exterior products and colors on all of its projects so campus buildings will match.