For Denver Flood, a second-year Construction Trades student at Central Tech and a student at Bristow High School, this summer provided more than hands-on experience. It gave him a firsthand look at the skills and work ethic needed to succeed in the construction industry.

Flood spent the summer working for Action Inc. in Tulsa after a conversation at his local gym led to a valuable industry connection. The opportunity allowed him to work alongside experienced professionals and gain real-world job-site experience.

His responsibilities included trenching for pipe and assisting the foreman with pipe installation, work that complemented the skills he is developing in Central Tech's Construction Trades program. While the technical skills were valuable, Flood said one of the biggest lessons he learned was the importance of reliability. "It really taught me how to show up on time every day," Flood said.

Flood also discovered that the small details taught in the classroom can make a big difference on the job site. "They were really impressed by how I knew how to tie the cords up," he said. While the task may seem simple, it reflects the emphasis Central Tech places on workplace safety, equipment care and professional habits. Those skills help students contribute from day one and stand out to employers.

Looking ahead, Flood plans to pursue a career in construction management within the plumbing industry. He is considering attending Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology or the University of Oklahoma to study construction management after graduating from high school. "I'm going to go into the construction management side of plumbing," he said.

As he enters his second year of training, Flood encourages future Construction Trades students to make the most of every learning opportunity. "Take in as much as you can," he said. "Last year I spent more time confused and too afraid to ask questions. Now I'm trying to learn as much as I can and ask all the questions."

Through hands-on training in the classroom and experience in the field, students like Flood are building the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed for successful careers. Whether on a job site or in the classroom, every lesson helps prepare students for the next step.