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Cross-Training Promotes Success

Cross Training at North Tech
(Pictured) Mr. Hanneken assists HVAC and Construction Trades students in a cross-training project involving the installation of a cooling unit.
A well-rounded training program promotes success with North Technical High School students' ability to adapt to a dynamic workplace environment. In industry, career cross-training gives professionals the competitive advantage in the workplace. Cross-functional teams help companies negotiate a dynamic economy, and can aid with career advancement. To meet this need, North Tech's cross-training and peer-to-peer programs promote versatility, collaboration, and team work, essential roles for those entering the workforce.

At North Technical High School, one example of this method of training exists between the Architectural Design and Geospatial Technology, Construction Trades, HVAC, and Electrical Trades CTE programs. Mr. Hanneken, the Construction Trades instructor, said "With peer to peer training, you can essentially kill two birds with one stone." As an instructor, you want to spend individual time with all students. Some days permit time for this and some days it is virtually impossible without cloning yourself. It is a good idea to use the knowledge of the students and engage them in the instructional process. "There is a whole team of individual skill sets that are important to share with the whole student body."

Cross Training at North Tech
Floor tiles cut in Precision Machining shop and lay by the HVAC shop.
In the HVAC program, senior students in their second semester, complete a "Certified Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CMAT)," program. Mr. Snider, the HVAC instructor, states that "this ANSI accredited program focuses on cross-training these students in interior and exterior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and appliance maintenance and repair." These students benefit from a course that is designed as an introduction for new maintenance professionals to give them the knowledge and tools necessary to run an effective maintenance program. These same HVAC students collaborate with the Construction Trades students to build life-size models of efficiency units providing opportunities for cross-training in such skills as framing, drywall, flooring, siding and tile. They also have teamed up with the Precision Machining shop to design and cut inlayed floor tiles which were then laid by the HVAC students.

Cross Training at North Tech
CAMT certification presented upon course completion.
Recently, seniors in Mr. Hanneken's Construction Trades class have been cross-training with Mr. Sander's Architectural Design and Geospatial Technology Drafting students. Julian Sanders and Ramonda Huntley, using computer aided Architectural design software "Chief Architect ", were recently creating a software model of Ramonda's current home. Julian, a senior in Architectural Design and Geospatial Technology, was instructing Ramonda, a senior in Construction Trades, on the basics of the program. With the aid of her peer, Ramonda was able to successfully create the basic layout of her home. Such details as furniture and pillows were added to her bedroom. The installation of cabinets in the kitchen took place. And even a 3D virtual tour of her house was created. This 20 minutes session was taking place in the Computer Aided Design area while the instructors were focusing their attention on other students. After the lesson, Julian continued to work on his current project and Ramonda asked questions of Julian when needed.

Pairing peers up randomly (or thoughtfully) can have a very positive impact. Helping to build camaraderie and making the school day that much more exciting for the students encourages a successful learning environment. While it is always exciting to hear students exchange new ideas and tips, it is stimulating fun for them to be a teacher for the day. It can be a real confidence booster for the students to know how much their hard work and skill set are appreciated by their Instructors and peers.

We are thrilled at North Technical High School to have such opportunities presented to our students. We encourage such exciting efforts and look forward to the expansion and future of peer training and collaboration!