The site behind Cranston Area Career and Technical Center (CACTC) has been a dumping ground for unused materials for the last several decades. With overgrown vegetation and two dilapidated sheds, the area was an eyesore according to Ryan Ingerowski, the school’s construction technology and welding teacher.

“Being here for 12 years, I had always envisioned a better scenario for the land behind CACTC,” said Ingerowski.

The site is getting a facelift thanks to students in the construction technology and welding program who started clearing debris from the area in September. On Thursday afternoon, students worked on the new shed’s concrete foundation.

Ingerowski shared that the project’s initial phase included clearing the site of all fences, dilapidated sheds and providing access to a pond that has been hidden for years. Students conducted basic site demo by removing old debris, bushes and demolishing sheds using a rented piece of heavy equipment.

“The idea is to have one new centralized location for material storage and a light structure carport  housing our bus and trailers,” Ingerowski said, adding that students get to see the project from foundation to finish.

The shed will be underway next week.

“We’re going to hope to put solar panels on this shed since we have a nice south facing roof – that’s kind of the ultimate plan,” Ingerowski said.

Ingerowski said Michael King – who’s the construction technology and welding program  assistant – works part time with his uncle’s concrete form company and this sparked the possibility of having the kids involved in the pouring of a new foundation.

“This opportunity is very rare and is an important piece of the construction process,” Ingerowski said. “The kids will then be part of the design and construction of the shed including the roof trusses and aspects.”

He added that every grade has had some input with the project. Underclassmen assisted with site cleanup while the shed’s construction will be seniors’ major project.

On Thursday, senior Marvin Toussaint shared that the class was pouring in concrete after having previously set up panels.

His classmate, Adrian Pimentel added that the program helps with tons of skills and life lessons. The two, along with several other students, agreed that there’s a good feeling that comes with starting a project and seeing its final result.

There are currently 12 seniors within the construction technology and welding program and roughly 75 students overall. The program is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the various trades in the field of construction. Some of the program’s topics include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and welding. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore wood framing, carpentry, CAD, estimating, welding and roofing. Highlights include Home Builder Institute (HBI) Certification, OSHA 10-hour Training, SkillsUSA Competition and financial literacy.