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Co-Lin laying the groundwork for Construction Academy programs
WESSON –Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce Education has set the groundwork and the dates for the first of many foundational construction skill training sessions, which will all fall under the collective title of Co-Lin Workforce Construction Academy. The initial offerings are Basic Plumbing and Concrete Masonry and will be offered beginning in early November 2021. The Academy is designed to be available throughout the Co-Lin district on rotation. While classes will begin on the Wesson Campus, individuals closer to the Natchez Campus or the Simpson County Center will also have access to learning these valued career skills.
“One of our primary goals at Co-Lin is to provide skills training that meets the needs of our local business and industry,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims. “As the need for plumbers and brick masons continues to rise, we hope to answer the call for skilled workers with the announcement our new Basic Construction Academy.”
It’s no secret that the demand for skilled trade workers is outpacing the supply here in Mississippi, specifically, when it comes to construction skills. Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce will be targeting this shortage through a recent grant awarded by the Mississippi Department of Employment Securities through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s Reserve funds. As the sub-recipient, the College is receiving $180,000 and is planning a multifaceted, construction skills focused training academy. This first year will include three courses in foundational plumbing, concrete masonry, and brick masonry. Future courses such as carpentry, construction framing, and roofing are on the drawing board, as well as, secondary level plumbing classes.
The start of the Co-Lin Construction Academy Basic Plumbing is tentatively slated for November 1. Classes will meet Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for 16 weeks. The Concrete Masonry session will begin November 4, 2021 and will meet Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for 16 weeks. The registration deadline for both programs is October 25, 2021, and the tuition is $100 (non-refundable) which is due before class starts along with a completed application. Upon successful completion, participants will be skilled for an apprenticeship with an experienced tradesman. Additionally, students will earn an OSHA Construction card and a CPR/First Aid certification.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older, achieve a minimum of Bronze level on the ACT WorkKeys Assessment, and submit a valid background check and negative drug screen. Other criteria may apply and will be outlined in the application packet once it is available. College credit is not available for these programs. Application packets may be downloaded and printed from our website www.colin.edu/constructionacademy or picked up from the Thames Conference Center on the Wesson Campus. Questions may be asked at careertraining@colin.edu.
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