George Rohrbaugh – Construction Co-Op

Hello, my name is George Rohrbaugh, and I am a senior at Garden Spot High School. I decided to do the Co-op program since I don’t plan on going to college and want to get some experience in the workforce. I also did the co-op program so that I could go to school for half of the day and then go to work half the day and still be able to play sports at the end of the day. I think that it was the best option since I am unsure of my future and want to get some experience and explore my options.

I work at Country Lane Gazebos in production and parts. Daily tasks include assembling cupola parts, cutting parts on the table saw, repairing or constructing braces, and stacking and sorting lumber every now and then. Sometimes I’ll work on some small projects that have to be completed by a certain time.

The co-op program has allowed me to explore my options of careers and get a better understanding of the workforce. I have learned that I like working outside more than I like working in a shop depending on the overall atmosphere of the shop. In the second semester, I plan on staying at Country Lane Gazebos for the winter, and then in the spring, I plan on applying for a landscaping/hardscaping job so that I can attain new skills and explore the career that I enjoy most.

Moreover, the Co-op class has helped me get a better understanding of the workforce and the many careers that are available, while also teaching me about future planning in my life. I have much more knowledge about retirement, credit, savings, and planning for a business than I have ever had. I would recommend this class to anyone that has a good work ethic and wants to go out to work and also learn life skills and important values in life.