May 26, 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561
jkm@calhoun.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALHOUN AGAIN OFFERING FREE PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IN CONSTRUCTION TRADES

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry can "test drive" the field through a continuing Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Trades program (ALPACTT) at Calhoun Community College. The free classes, conducted at Calhoun's Decatur campus, are now accepting new applications for dislocated worker training. While there is no cost for the student, all participants must be eligible for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services. Calhoun is the only college providing the program to the north Alabama region, and rencently graduated its first class from the program.

Participants will receive 150 hours of training 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 NCCER core certificate and a 10-hour OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification.

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. Participants completing the ALPACTT program are automatically eligible to enroll in 450 hours of additional training in areas such as Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, or Masonry at no cost. Ninety-five percent of the program's graduates are either working in their chosen field and/or are continuing more specialized training.

Ten of those students are currently completing Level 1 and 2 National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) HVAC Certifications. The Pre-apprenticeship Construction Trades training program is endorsed by the Alabama Community College System, Alabama Associated General Contractors, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama, the AFL-CIO and the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama.

Calhoun is one of only four colleges in the state offering the program. For more information contact Stephanie Wallace, Case Manager, at 256/306-2923, or Jim Swindell, Assistant Dean of Technology, at 256/306-2539. Individuals who do not qualify for state funding may enroll in the class for $750.

###