Northern Nevada’s economic growth and new industries moving into the region have accelerated the need for workers skilled in construction trades, and a new Multi-Craft Pre-Apprenticeship program is set to begin in February at Truckee Meadows Community College.
TMCC has partnered with Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada to provide an intensive program to prepare prospective construction tradespersons to enter an apprenticeship.
The four-week, 160 hour program will help workers with readiness to apply for apprenticeships in the trade of their choice.
“Northern Nevada is about to experience unprecedented growth in the construction industry,” said Jim New, Dean of Technical Sciences at TMCC. “This training program is designed to prepare individuals for the competitive application process for apprenticeships in the building trades where they can earn while they learn a craft for a rewarding career.”
Building Trades Include Many Career Areas From Which To Choose
The construction field is comprised of many skill categories, including
- Bricklayer
- Cement Mason
- Drywall finishing
- Electrician, Electrical Technician
- Elevator Constructor
- Floor Covering
- Glazing
- Insulator
- Iron workers
- Laborer
- Operating Engineer – heavy equipment
- Painting
- Plasterer
- Plumber and pipefitting
- Sheet metal
- Sprinkler fitter
- Tile setter
- Welding
The Nevada Workforce Informer, published by Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) Research and Analysis Bureau projects job openings in the state. Positions as construction managers show a notable upturn in Nevada at 3.6% average annual growth rate between the 2012-2022 period. Welding, soldering and brazing machine setters, operators exhibit a 3.7% average annual growth rate during this time.
Many apprentices advance to become foremen, Journeypersons, construction managers, or owners of their own companies, New said. The Multi-Craft Pre-Apprenticeship program will teach those enrolled about an array of opportunities in multiple building trades. Students will gain skills in planning steps along the path in their preferred field.
The Fast-paced Course of Study Is Comprehensive, and Offers 10 College Credits
Accelerated pacing will allow students to move quickly through topics including:
- OSHA 10-hour construction certification
- CPR and First Aid
- Blueprint Reading
- Orientation
- Math Skills
- Heritage of the American Worker
- Industry Awareness
- Tools and Materials
Those successfully completing the program will earn 10 credits from TMCC that may be applied to an Apprenticeship or Construction Technologies certificate or degree.
The program is a gateway to post-secondary education and careers in building trades, New said.
Multi-Craft Pre-Apprenticeship Training will take place at the TMCC Applied Technologies Center at 475 Edison Way in Reno. Classes are held from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, from March 23-April 17. The cost is $1,000 for Nevada residents. Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, and being 18 years of age at the time of completion.
For more information on the Multi-Craft Pre-Apprenticeship program, please call 775-856-5300.