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First class of construction trades craftsman program graduates from Howard College San Angelo

The first class of six students graduated from the program Dec. 6 and are already employed in the field.

SAN ANGELO, Texas — The first class of Howard College San Angelo's construction trades craftsmen program graduated Dec. 6. The college said all six are already employed in the field.

“Graduates of the program are not only more employable but are also qualified for higher paying positions and promotions,” Kaitlyn Brosh, Howard College San Angelo Director of Marketing, said.

The extreme need for skilled labor in all construction fields lead to the partnership of several local and state organizations. The Texas Builders Foundation, San Angelo Home Builders Association and their members, Howard College San Angelo Foundation, Concho Valley Workforce Development Board with the Texas Workforce Commission, and the City of San Angelo Development Corporation came together with Howard College San Angelo to develop a plan and find funding and logistical support to develop a training program.

“New program development can’t happen without tangible support from the key players in the community.  Members of these organizations recognized a need and invested in creating a solution that not only gives community members an opportunity to learn new skills but also benefits local businesses and the local economy,” Jamie Rainey, Workforce & Community Development Officer, said.

The program consists of traditional classes such as technical math and blueprint reading, but a significant portion of the program is hands-on learning, a release from the school said.

The students work together to build a fully-functional “tiny house” that will be sold to support the continuation of the program. The final requirement before graduation is a 16-week internship where they work for a construction company to gain additional skills on a job site.

“They learn about all aspects of construction; framing, plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, etc. They learn a little about all of it.  Some might realize that they really like electrical work and decide to go be electricians, or roofers, or plumbers,  but they are starting with a well-rounded understanding of the building process in general,” Program Director Nelson Davis said.

The graduates will be recognized at the annual Howard College Graduation Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. May 7, 2020, at the Foster Communications Coliseum, 50 E. 43rd St.

Students can start the program this Spring. Classes begin Jan. 13, 2020, and prerequisites are to be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or a GED.

For more information, contact Kaitlyn Brosh, Director of Student Life, Marketing and Outreach at 325-481-8300, ext. 3226; or kbrosh@howardcollege.edu.

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