THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, February 29, 1996            TAG: 9602270099
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS          PAGE: 07   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY DAWSON MILLS, CORRESPONDENT 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   47 lines

STUDENTS BUILDING HOUSE FOR MOM AND 2 CHILDREN

Two classes of students at the Norfolk Technical Vocational Center are getting a real education in the construction trades - they're actually building a house on what used to be a vacant lot in the 2600 block of Ballentine Boulevard.

The project is a part of Habitat for Humanity, which enlists volunteers to build homes for those who otherwise could not achieve home ownership. But in this case there's a double benefit as the students gain valuable work experience.

``These are all first-year students,'' explained David Trotman, one of two of the center's on-site instructors. ``We're continually teaching them.''

Approximately 35 students are involved in the project. One group comes to the site in the morning; a second group follows in the afternoon. Later, according to vocational center instructor Steve Draeger, other students from heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and electrical classes will join the project.

Horticulture students will provide the landscaping; interior design and decorating students will do the finish work.

``We've already put the water and sewer pipes in, digging the trenches by hand,'' Draeger said. ``Now we're hanging wallboard, insulating, putting on the roof and building the kitchen cabinets.''

Older students from the Norfolk Public Schools' Skills Center did the foundation and brickwork. Ground was broken last fall; both instructors are confident the house will be ready for occupancy before the school year ends.

The house will be occupied by a mother and her two children.

``It helps the students who don't have any work experience to get something behind them,'' said student builder Gary Chew Jr., 19. ``I think it's good that the students are showing people we're trying to do some things.''

Fellow student Scott Vipond, 17, said:

``We came out to work hard and learn something new. I like it 'cause it's something I want to do in the future.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by DAWSON MILLS

Norfolk Technical Vocational Center students work on their Habitat

for Humanity House.

by CNB