WNC helps construction student build bright future

With a construction management degree under her belt, Western Nevada College graduate Chanden Tolbert is ready for a new challenge.

A classified aide at Coleville High School, she’s soon starting a new job as a pre-construction coordinator with Metcalf Builders.

“I believe, honestly, that my success was due to the caring nature of the instructors, the professors, the communication,” Tolbert said.

On Monday and Tuesday, Western Nevada College conducted Parade of Graduate ceremonies for 581 students receiving 613 degrees or certificates of achievement.

Among the graduates are five attending Douglas County high schools, including four from Douglas High School and one from Douglas Nevada Online.

Miles Construction President Cary Richardson, a member of WNC’s advisory board for construction management, said he likes how well-rounded the program is.

“We need individuals who present very well, who can write very well, who can create packages for request for proposals,” he said. “You have to have these things that people don’t typically relate to the construction industry.”

Tolbert said she took a challenging internship course, a program requirement, and spent a month in Arizona with MGC Contractors.

“My internship was instrumental in giving me the confidence and the experience I need to feel comfortable going into this new career,” she said. “I’m a 40-year-old woman going into the construction industry.”

On the employer end, that confidence and energy is valuable. Richardson said he likes to see WNC students quickly become productive members of his team, and hiring students and graduates is a great way to fill employee shortages. 

“Don’t wait until these students are graduates,” he said. “Get them while they’re in the program, whether that’s an internship or part-time job,” he said.

Monday’s ceremony honored liberal arts graduates earning their associate of arts and associate of science degrees. Tuesday’s ceremony welcomed associate of business, applied science, general studies and bachelor of applied science degrees with certificate of achievements. Fallon’s ceremony is scheduled for Thursday.