Learning by experience is a model that can help you earn skills and gain knowledge to succeed in your chosen career field. Max’s past work experience in woodworking and framing led him to want to earn a degree doing something he enjoyed. He recently graduated from Hocking College, where he earned an associate degree in construction management with a focus on carpentry. This program taught Max what is involved in planning, estimating, scheduling, and executing a variety of commercial and residential projects in the construction field.

His experience at college gave him the skills needed, but Max was eager to gain field experience. Max was hired to work with Terracon testing concrete samples at various construction sites around Ohio. This position taught Max how to collect samples that the sites create and transport them to a Terracon laboratory for testing purposes. Another skill Max learned through this position is the intricate steps to create the samples on-site. Max became certified with the American Concrete Institute (ACI), being one of only two students in his class at Hocking to do so. The ACI certification will allow him to build concrete structures. He will also utilize this for future employment in the construction field.

When he isn’t working, Max enjoys spending time hiking, participating in archery with friends, and building models of a Japanese cartoon. Max spends on average a week (or more) building the intricate models. He recently got a Planet Fitness membership so he can focus on strength training and stamina, preparing for longer days of work, that are certainly ahead.