Student Finds Success in Construction Industry After Graduating from Vilonia Pathways Program
Three years ago, Madison Finch had never even considered going into the construction industry.
Just after graduating high school, the Vilonia native already has a successful full-time job as well as an associate degree after becoming one of the first graduates of the Vilonia Pathways Program.
The program is a partnership between Vilonia Pathways Academy and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that allows students to earn an associate degree in construction science while still in high school.
鈥淏eing able to finish high school with both a diploma and an associate degree seemed unreal,鈥� Finch said. 鈥淭his is my biggest accomplishment so far, and it made me realize that I am capable of much more than I thought. It wasn鈥檛 the easiest to accomplish, but it was worth the hard work.鈥�
Cathy Riggins, retired assistant superintendent of Vilonia Public Schools who helped launch the concurrent program, said this program is a great example of how schools can work together to create a beneficial program that meets the needs of students while drawing workers to a growing industry.
鈥淲hen you put students at the center, this is a prime example of what can happen,鈥� Riggins said. 鈥淧eople in the construction industry are some of the best people I鈥檝e ever worked with in my life. This program is a great opportunity for students to live the American dream and have the kind of life they鈥檝e always wanted by working for a great Arkansas company and fulfilling a workforce development need. We all worked together to create something that is truly beneficial to students and the construction industry.鈥�
Finch decided to join Vilonia Pathways Academy with her older brother. The two siblings made honor roll together, and he went on to work in the heat and air industry after graduating in 2023. While attending Vilonia Pathways Academy, Finch worked at Weaver Bailey Contractors in Conway as an intern.
鈥淭his internship allowed me to start working in all parts of the company,鈥� Finch said. 鈥淭his included project management, human resources, accounting, safety, and much more. By the time I graduated, I already knew what I wanted to do.鈥�
After earning her high school diploma from Vilonia Pathways Academy and her associate degree from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock this spring, Finch was hired as a full-time safety technician at Weaver Bailey Contractors.
鈥淗aving this degree has helped me get the job I have now and has also opened up so many opportunities for me,鈥� Finch said. 鈥淚 have been offered jobs, and I feel like I鈥檓 a step ahead of most people my age. I鈥檓 gaining experience right now while some kids are still trying to figure out what they want to do.鈥�