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January 6, 2010

Calhoun to Offer Free Pre-Apprenticeship Program
In Construction Trades

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in the construction ind ustry can "test drive" the field through a new Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Trades program at Calhoun Community College .

The free training program begins January 19, 2010, and will be conducted at Calhoun's Decatur campus. Calhoun is the only college providing the program to the north Alabama region. According to Jim Swindell, assistant dean for technology education at Calhoun, the pre-apprenticeship program will introduce students to the skills and training necessary in a variety of construction trades and will provide a thorough overview of the careers available in the ind ustry.

"The great thing about this program is that it will allow persons interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry an opportunity to see if this career is truly a good match for them," said Swindell.

While there is no cost for the student, all participants must be eligible for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services.

Participants in the program will receive 150 hours of training over a 10-week period meeting three nights each week. A fast-track, day class option is also available which meets five days a week over four weeks. Training will be provided in such areas as construction safety, construction math, the correct operation of hand and power tools, blueprint reading and employability skills. In addition to classroom study and instruction, students will visit area construction sites to better view the working environment and conditions.

Upon successful completion, students will earn a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) core certificate and a 10-hour OSH A (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification.

The Pre-apprenticeship Construction Trades training program is endorsed by the Ala bama Community Col lege System, Ala bama Associated General Contractors, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama, the AFL-CIO and the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama.

Program completers will have the opportunity to interview for construction apprentice employment opportunities and/or be eligible for additional NCCER craft training in a specific discipline.

Registration is currently underway, and space is limited. For more information visit your local Career Center to be certified as eligible and then call Stephanie Wallace at 256/306-2923 to register. Ind ividuals who do not qualify for state funding may enroll in the class for $750.

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

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