TMCC program seeks to build skills for construction trainees

Truckee Meadows Community College has launched a free pilot program for those who are interested in the plumbing, electrical and carpentry trades.

The program, jump-started by a donation from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation, is designed for students who are interested in a construction career but need experience in the basic skills necessary for apprenticeship programs and entry-level positions. The program is fast-tracked and can be completed in one month.

"The pre-apprenticeship program is a great example of the college recognizing the employers' urgent need for skilled carpenters, plumbers and electricians and creating a program that will efficiently train students for immediate employment," said Patty Wade-Snyder, president of Wade Development and member of the TMCC executive board of trustees.

The program is a two-step process. First, students attend an orientation and take an evaluative and tutoring test geared toward vocational education to assess their basic aptitude and skill level. The assessment will provide students with specific information about gaps in their skills or knowledge.

If any gaps are identified, students will complete a self-paced tutoring program.

After students have successfully completed the evaluation they can enroll in one of the five sessions that start every month beginning May 8. During the class students will be presented with a summary of the knowledge base, applied skills, and job opportunities in three building trades plumbing, electrical and carpentry.

"Students will also be OSHA certified when they complete the program. In addition to the basic trade skills students will also be given basic employment training such as how to interview well," said Jim New, associate dean of applied technologies.

TMCC will also provide vocational English-as-a-second-language courses for students who need to upgrade their English language skills or need to learn the specialized vocabulary of the building trades.

Applicants who enroll in the program will meet from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for four weeks. They will earn two college credits for completing the program. The program has 75 spots that will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Acceptance into the program requires passing a drug test.

(To register or to get more information call TMCC at 856-5300 or visit http://www.tmcc.edu/edison/apprenticeship.asp for an application form.)