Having the opportunity to earn a decent wage should be available to everyone who is looking for one.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Greater Houston and the Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF) now provide that opportunity to individuals looking to work within the commercial construction industry—an industry looking to train willing and dedicated individuals.
JPMorgan Chase released a study, Houston Skills Gap Report, which reported that there are currently 1.4 million middle-skill jobs in Houston, and projected 74,000 new positions to open each year through 2017.
“The need for commercial skilled craft training throughout the U.S. is great. ABC of Greater Houston and CMEF are addressing the issue in the Houston area by partnering with several Greater Houston-area community organizations to provide a NCCER Curriculum based, Department of Labor approved Commercial Apprenticeship Training Program,” said Lisa Boyette, Commercial Training Manager for CMEF.
The first course in the program will be a FREE NCCER Core Intro to Commercial Apprenticeship Training from August 15, 2016 -December 15, 2016, open to anyone looking to build a career in the construction industry. The program will be offered in two locations and partially funded through a partnership with Harris County Department of Education.
The NCCER Core Curriculum is a prerequisite to apprenticeship curriculum and is necessary for any individual entering the field or individuals starting out in the industry. Its modules cover topics such as basic safety, communication skills and introduction to Hand & Power Tools. Students will also take preparation courses such as remedial and contextual math along with bilingual support. Upon completion, candidates will receive an OSHA-10 Certification.
“Funding through the Harris County Department of Education has allowed us to provide the commercial apprenticeship training class at no cost. Organizations such as NextOp, who work with transitioning military veterans, and Neighborhood Centers Inc., are fully taking advantage and enrolling several candidates. It is our hope to continue to offer CORE several times throughout the year,” said Boyette.
ABC and CMEF are diligently working with ABC Members, community leaders, and community workforce organizations to encourage fellow Houstonians to register for the course and begin building their career today.
Many ABC members and supporters are looking forward to the new program. Fast Track Specialties, LP and Milwaukee Electric Tool have donated classroom materials, such as whiteboard and tools, to the new commercial training space at the ABC Houston office to make sure the class is a success and students have the materials needed to succeed.
For more information about the upcoming courses and the commercial apprenticeship training program, please visit www.abchouston.org or contact the ABC office at 713-523-6222.
