Regional Construction Trades Solution Center & Workforce Training
Organization:
Western Piedmont Community College
Amount:
1500000
Program Area:
Community-Based Grants Initiative
County of Applicant:
Burke
Year:
04/01/2021
Description:
This award provides funding to Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) to assist in the construction of a 30,000 square foot Construction Trades Solution Center with labs and classroom space to house the construction trades program. The Center will offer training in carpentry, masonry, electrical technologies, HVAC, plumbing, and green construction principles. WPCC will offer the programs through continuing education and curriculum programs, allowing students to earn stackable certificates in specific skill areas. Caldwell Community College and Catawba Valley Community College will be project collaborators. In addition, WPCC is developing Career and College Promise pathways in construction trades/heavy equipment and estimates 85 high school Career and Technical Education students from the Alexander, Burke, and Catawba county school districts will participate in the program. The Center will also serve new traditional post-secondary students, new job seekers, and incumbent workers. Five-year projections for regional workforce need in construction trades are at a critical point, with 3,734 openings for the period. Golden LEAF funds will be used for construction-related costs.