Within the last decade, there has been a noticeable increase in schools developing public safety career technical education programs in our public schools. School officials and local communities have recognized the need for more career paths to prepare young students for the 21st century global economy, aside from the traditional college route that does not suit many students. With devastating wildfires and mighty storms, California more than ever is in need of heroes.
There is great importance in designing a space well-suited to support programs that will develop essential skills. Nacht & Lewis’ Principal and Education practice leader, Brian Maytum, has designed multiple facilities dedicated to training students for careers in public safety. Facilities such as the new Fire Training Academy at Valley High School are fully equipped in an environment that mimics what they can expect in a real firehouse. These facilities are not only limited to high schools but also in colleges such as the fire training in Sierra Community College where Nacht & Lewis designed a 2-bay apparatus building and a fully function burn tower to simulate real life fire conditions. Through these types of education projects, students gain a hands-on experience in facilities necessary to provide the best training possible for tomorrow’s heroes.
