People looking to switch careers can learn basic skills for entry-level construction jobs through a free eight-week training program at Truckee Meadows Community College.
The school received a $48,000 grant from the Nevada State Commission on Construction Education to continue its pre-apprenticeship construction trades classes.
Finding skilled - or even semi-skilled - workers to fill jobs continues to challenge contractors.
TMCC's pre-apprenticeship provides students with guidance about the knowledge and applied skills they'll need and the jobs available in the building trades. It focuses on plumbing, electrical and carpentry.
Students receive basic employment training, such as good interviewing skills. The program also identifies gaps in basic math and language skills and provides tutoring.
"This free training is crucial for students who want to move into TMCC's apprentice program or gain immediate employment," said Jim New, associate dean of applied industrial technologies.
Classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and all day on Saturdays.
"We believe this schedule will make the program more attractive to working adults who are looking to upgrade their skills or make a career change to a high-demand field," New said.
The program has a maximum of 45 spots to be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Students will be accepted into the training based on the number of applicants and exam scores.
Students must pass a drug screening.
