Tanner Howe – Woodworking Co-Op

My name is Tanner Howe I’m currently a senior at Garden Spot High School. I am enrolled in the Co-op program. The reason why I chose to enroll is that it allows me to go to school for one block and leave after to go to work. While I still get the credits I need to graduate and be able to work consistent hours. Instead of filling my schedule with electives, I get real-world experience and knowledge.

I’m currently employed at Birchcraft Kitchens in the Reading area. I’m a spray technician but I move around and do other things as needed. Some days I’d spend spraying sealer or varnish and others I would spend sanding primer or staining cabinets. I get a lot of opportunities to learn new skills that can be helpful later down the road. I enjoy the type of work it is and working with my hands. Seeing how the unfinished cabinets and wood turn out when they’re done is very rewarding and taught me to take pride in my work. Along with that, I’ve learned to be very precise and detail-oriented from working there. I feel as though the skills I learned will be helpful throughout my career and life. 

I’m happy with my decision to join the Co-op program because it’s provided a lot of opportunities to better set up my future. It’s helped me to get a good idea of what to do after high school. The skills I gained from working instead of sitting in class all day will be useful. Along with that, I felt as though it helped me to grow as a person more.