Students gain hands-on work experience at CCBE Design Build Competition ROP Showdown

CARUTHERS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds of students have descended upon the Caruthers Fairgrounds this week.

They're on-site getting work experience they can add to their future resumes.

Part of that work is giving the fairgrounds a facelift.

"We have everything going on from demolition to irrigation installation, landscape plant material being installed," Elite Private Landscape General Manager Sarah Souza said.

Souza says crews were busy, not just with the enhancement, but with teaching the next generation.

High school students from around the Valley, like sophomore Abigail Gastelum, were brought in to work alongside the professionals.

Most of the work she's never done before, but Abigail says she's grateful she's able to help make a difference.

"I think it's a good experience. I'm glad people are going to see this, and when I come back, I'm going to see it and know that I had a part in helping -- in creating it," Abigail said.

The partnership was made possible through the "Central California Builders Exchange Design Build ROP Showdown."

Fresno ROP Industry Engagement Coordinator Michelle Wong says the event initially started as just a construction competition three years ago.

Since then, it's expanded to include other career technical courses such as culinary, education, welding, automotive and video production.

Students get the opportunity to build connections and learn from masters in their field.

"When they have questions, when they need support, when they don't understand how to utilize a tool, they get to watch and observe from industry trade partners that are just the most incredible and best in their field," Wong said.

For Souza, she says being a homegrown company, giving back is an important part of their mission.

She says she hopes students walk away with new skills and are proud of the work they did.

"They can come for years to come after this, bring their families in, bring their friends and say, we did that. Them being able to take that away, earn some knowledge and have that sense of pride, that's what it's all about," Souza said.

All of the landscaping will be complete by Friday, and the entire event wraps up with an award ceremony for video production and construction students.

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