Students at Central New Mexico Community College are testing their construction skills in the real world, having started work on a Habitat for Humanity house this term. Ground breaking on the project took place on September 15 at 4616 Don Pedro Dr. S.W.

The project involves a variety of CNM students who are using the project as a “live lab” that enables them to put their skills to work in the real world. Construction students started work on September 17. Students studying plumbing, electrical trades, landscaping, air conditioning and heating and refrigeration will also take part in the project. Truck driving students will bring supplies to the work site.

Students have chosen crew leaders and are learning to work in teams to complete the project. The house is projected to be completed in the spring.

“A lot of times we want industry to support us,” says Paul Pascarella, director of construction technologies in the School of Applied Technologies. “Now we’re going out to support the community.”

Habitat for Humanity has brought volunteers together to build more than 225,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1 million people with safe, decent, affordable shelter.