Craven Community College (Craven CC) will introduce an eight-week, fee-waived Construction Academy to expose students to various occupations and skills in the construction trades on June 5. Craven CC is one of 10 community colleges across the state to implement this training program, which will help boost employment in the construction industry.
“The college is tremendously excited to be involved with this pilot program,” said Eddie Foster, Volt Center Dean. “We have extremely knowledgeable instructors who will be leading students in earning certifications and passing on industry knowhow that comes with years of being on the job.”
Students will complete the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Core Curriculum, NCCER Field Safety, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Safety, receiving certification for each of these courses upon satisfactory completion. Soft skills and employability training will also help ensure job readiness. Classroom training will be combined with hands-on practical training to ensure students understand what they learn. Additionally, local employers in the construction trades will meet with the class to share their experience and knowledge, as well as possible direct connections to immediate employment opportunities.
Carolinas Association of General Contractors (CAGC) will administer funds provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to cover the costs of student registration and provide a $750 attendance-based scholarship after the program’s halfway point. This will help support students’ cost of attendance, job searches, or employment needs such as work boots, safety gear, and tools.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone in the community looking to enter the construction field and earn a respectable living,” said Foster. “Many people are often unable to pursue trades careers such as this due to financial constraints, so we are grateful for this partnership that allows people of all walks of life to have that chance.”
Craven CC will partner with local businesses and industries, including Trader Construction, Balfour Beatty, Cieszko Construction, and identified CAGC partners. These and many other companies in the area need a skilled workforce. At the end of each course, company representatives will be invited to interview students who have completed training. Many companies have already committed to job shadowing and employment opportunities to students who complete the program.
The Construction Academy is one of 10 pilot programs in the state, receiving an allocation of $35,000 through the State Fiscal Recovery Fund in an effort to support the high-demand construction trades industry. The funds will be used for course materials and supplies, student recruitment, instructional and support staff salaries, and employer engagement. Upon successful completion of the initial Construction Academy, the college can request a second allocation and repeat the program.
Visit CravenCC.edu/ConstructionAcademy or call 252-633-0857 to register or get more information on the Construction Academy.