Senior Hannah Chambers, a student in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Engineering and Architecture program, is gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry through her internship at Eldredge Lumber Company—and confirming her decision to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
When Hannah attended SRTC's Career and College Fair last fall, her teacher Mr. Clark guided her to the Eldredge Lumber table. Lindsey Eldredge remembers that first meeting clearly: "She made incredible eye contact. She was dressed professionally, and she shook my hand."
After receiving an application and Lindsey's business card, Hannah demonstrated remarkable persistence. "She emailed me every single month," Eldredge said. "She's extraordinary." That determination led to her landing an internship at the company's contractor desk.
"I wanted to get a chance to know what my future job would be like, and also to get more experience under my belt," Chambers said. "I plan on not going to college—I'd rather go straight into the work field, and this opportunity helps me understand what my life will look like when I graduate."
Three to four days each week, Hannah immerses herself in the building materials business. She's learned to navigate Eldredge Lumber’s extensive inventory, memorize product sizes and account names, and help contractors place orders efficiently.
"It's always a learning experience, also a memory game," she shares. "There are many questions about what sizes we stock and where certain things are throughout the store."
Her background has proven valuable. "She's incredible with customers," Eldredge said. "She has a really great, gregarious personality, and her dad is a builder, so she knows our clientele and understands the language."
Through the internship, Hannah has developed a deeper understanding of lumber dimensions, wood species, and material applications. "I like learning things with the customers," she said. "Going through orders and learning why they ordered this and what they are using the specific material for."
The experience has solidified her career path. Rather than pursuing a college degree to become an architect, she's set her sights on becoming a draftsman. "This internship has helped me know that even if I am not going to college, I can still make it, doing what I love," she said.
Her immediate goal? "I hope after this year is over I can get hired here at Eldredge when my internship is over."
For Eldredge, students like Hannah represent valuable future employees. "The SRTC students are not entry-level employees," she explained. "They already have the knowledge. It's an easy transition to get these kids from SRTC into the workforce." Eldredge Lumber offers comprehensive benefits and long-term career potential. "If college isn't the way these kids want to go, I can offer them a career, not just a job."
Hannah's internship is one of several Extended Learning Opportunities coordinated by Sally MacDougal, offering students pathways to explore career options and build industry connections—whether they're headed to college or directly into the workforce.