Calhoun Community College to Offer Free Plumbing Certifications
The Calhoun Community College Workforce Solutions (CWS) department is excited to announce its free National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Plumbing Level I & II Certification training program. The training will be held on Tuesdays, beginning June 8 – December 14, 2021, on Calhoun’s Huntsville campus from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The deadline to apply is May 28.
According to Houston Blackwood, Director of Calhoun Workforce Solutions, the program is specifically designed for current plumbing apprentices. “Individuals who possess an NCCER Plumbing Level 1 Certification can perform basic plumbing skills such as plumbing safety, proper tool handling, as well as utilizing plastic, copper, cast iron, and carbon pipes,” commented Blackwood. “For those who hold the Level 2 certification, they can do basic installing and DWV pipe testing, install a roof, floor, and area drains, as well as installing fixtures, valves, and water heaters,” added Blackwood. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to increase by 4 percent, which is about as fast as the average for all other occupations. “Plumbers are in high demand, as many of the veterans in that industry retire, many jobs will be left unfilled,” commented Dr. Joe Burke, Calhoun Interim President. “We are excited to offer such a high quality, hands-on program, which not only allows individuals to advance their careers, but they are able to obtain the certifications to do just that for free,” added Burke.
To participate in the training, students must be currently employed as a plumber’s apprentice. To register, visit www.calhoun.edu/plumbing. For additional information, contact workforce@calhoun.edu.
About NCCER
NCCER is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation created in 1996 as The National Center for Construction Education and Research. It was developed with the support of more than 125 construction CEOs and various associations and academic leaders who united to revolutionize training for the construction industry. Sharing the common goal of developing a safe and productive workforce, these companies created a standardized training and credentialing program for the industry. This progressive program has evolved into curricula for more than 70 craft areas and a complete series of more than 70 assessments offered in over 6,000 NCCER-accredited training and assessment locations across the United States.