The Building Trades Career and Technical Education (CTE) class at Osbourn Park High School serves as an exemplary model for leveraging business partnerships to enhance student education. By collaborating with Comdor, LLC, a commercial door, frame, and hardware supplier based in Fairfax, the CTE class has gained valuable material donations. These supplies empower students to gain hands-on experience in construction.

The partnership was initiated when Edward Levis, the building trades teacher at Osbourn Park High, met Nick Bottini, the owner of Comdor, LLC, during an expo event. Bottini expressed keen interest in engaging with Levis’ class, and their collaboration has opened doors for practical learning opportunities.

“Ultimately, this partnership with Comdor, LLC, is designed to be a mutual relationship where they’re helping our community, they’re helping our students learn the trades, get interested in the trades,” Levis expressed. “Through the process, we’ll have some students that will decide they want to work with them in summer internships and potential long-term employment after graduation.”

When Bottini and Levis spoke after their initial encounter, Bottini said that Comdor, LLC would supply the necessary lumber for the framing unit that the class was about to embark upon. This unit presented a unique opportunity for students to construct an entire room while simultaneously mastering the intricacies of residential building codes.

In February, Bottini visited the class to speak with students about his company and the role they fill in the construction industry. He also spoke about job opportunities for students within his company and the potential for them to transition their summer job into a career.

“We will do all the teaching, we just want you to be a good person and a hard worker, and we will take care of the rest,” said Bottini about hiring graduates.

“This gives us the opportunity to learn and to grow and experience firsthand how to build stuff and houses like this,” explained Jose, a senior at Osbourn Park.

The partnership between Osbourn Park and Comdor, LLC has proven to be a powerful catalyst in equipping students for their post-secondary careers. Bottini became a role model and mentor for the students to look up to, and the students now know how to pursue a career with Comdor, LLC.