Making a difference: Build Pagosa grows opportunities and eyes future

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Once upon a time — this is how this inspiring story could begin — two local businessmen saw a need in their community and decided to take action. 

These two men, Larry Ash and Tor Hessman, both builders, didn’t hesitate. They knew it was a struggle for any businesses in the construction field to find qualified workers. There was such a shortage that it made it challenging to provide services in Archuleta County and the surrounding areas.

The solution: to train young people to learn the skills. They decided to approach the high school.

At that time, the school wasn’t ready to take on these additional classes, so the nonprofit Build Pagosa was born. The organization offered to pay for the entire program, including the career and technical education (CTE) teachers.

Hessman, who early on was told by his own teacher that he had a gift and should teach, took on the task of creating a program in the building trades for the high school. 

His program includes three levels, starting with the first core of basic safety and construction skills to general carpentry (general construction, surveying, electricity, plumbing) and, finally, the option for more specialization.

Hessman, a master in construction science, among many other talents and qualifications, started the program with about 12 to 25 students. Now, after just a few years, the program is so popular the classes fill and a waiting list exists. He has more than 120 students per year and counting.

What followed with this successful program of building trades, woodworking and technical drawing is a strong support from many local construction businesses who donate money and material, and now provide summer internships. 

One of the most beautiful and heartwarming results is the fact that about a third of the students said they stayed in school because of the CTE programs. And, if this wasn’t enough, about 80 students earned their National Center for Construction Education and Research certifications through rigorous knowledge and performance assessments. This certification gives students the opportunity of a high-paying job anywhere in the USA. 

They also earned their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) card, a certification in occupational safety, with expenses paid by Build Pagosa. This OSHA certification is required for students participating in area summer internships organized by the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (PSCDC).

But, if this still wasn’t enough, three of his former students decided to recently participate in a training for Broadband 101 and fiber splicing. This weeklong event was organized by Emily Lashbrook, executive director of the PSCDC, with some financial assistance from Build Pagosa. Students mastered their new skills so well that two of them were offered a job in this high-demand industry while the third one is already employed by a local IT company.

What an amazing opportunity for these high school students — all from the shared vision and deep passion of two men.

In addition to developing valuable trade skills, students understand the importance of giving back to the community by lending their talents to past projects such as a warming shed for the ice rink, the San Juan Mountain School, a mezzanine for the community domes, dividers for Town Hall and shade structures at Yamaguchi Park.

Hessman, a talented, caring and dedicated CTE teacher for many years, has shared his considerable knowledge with all his students. His deep-rooted passion along with Ash’s and Build Pagosa, has provided many students an extraordinary opportunity to learn, discover and excel in new skills, improving employability and ability to earn a great living. That is making a difference.

His hope is to find someone who will carry on his program when he retires and even add a class specializing in electrical work as the numbers of electricians are in decline. He would also love to see a community college take root in Archuleta County. All this can be possible with community involvement.

There are two upcoming opportunities.

Building Trades students constructed dog houses and birdhouses this year to be auctioned off along with items from the other CTE programs, businesses and individuals. This annual dinner/auction event is set for May 2 at the Ross Aragon Community Center.

Build Pagosa, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is also planning on building a new regional workforce center to benefit not only the CTE students and businesses, but the entire community.

We would love to hear from you. For auction tickets, donations or more information, please contact cindy@buildpagosa.org or marie@buildpagosa.org.