It is one more way higher education is expanding here at the lake - starting with classes this month.
When classes start Aug. 18 at State Fair Community College’s extended campus in Osage Beach, students will not only have the regular lineup of classes to fill their schedule, they will also have the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in Building Materials Merchandising or Construction Management.
Program coordinator Steve Bloess said the programs were added to SFCC’s curriculum after a study of the area showed Lake of the Ozarks, with its high concentration of construction, was in high need of certified professionals in both areas.
These are the types of degrees for someone who is already in one of the trades and wants to be prepared down the road, or someone with a trade job who is looking to move into the management side of the business, Bloess said.
Students learn the business-side of construction - scheduling, managing, budgets, costs, building plans and codes, etc. - Bloess said.
In the Building Materials Merchandising program, students learn technical skills required in design, drafting, engineering, marketing and business.
They are skills that, as the lake area develops, will grow with the area, Bloess said.
The classes are held on SFCC’s extended campus at Stonecrest Mall in Osage Beach.
As the summer winds down, so does the construction season, Bloess said the campus will offer non-traditional scheduling for those wanting to take classes during the winter.
Credits can also be transfered to four-year degrees offered at Missouri State University and University of Central Missouri.
“We understand that once you start taking classes, you either want to keep going and earn your bachelor’s, or life happens and you have to slow down,” Bloess said.
In the meantime, Bloess said SFCC can help students reach their goals.
We have lots of great success stories - men and women - in the area, Bloess said. Keep in mind, these programs are for people who love the outdoors and the satisfaction of seeing a project completed.
For questions, or to enroll in the classes, call State Fair Community College at 348-0888, or Steve Bloess at 660-596-7233.
Contact this reporter at deannaw@lakesunleader.com