With the economic growth in the Coastal Bend, the industrial job market is starting to boom. The only problem is companies are having a tough time finding qualified workers.
Del Mar College is trying to do its part by offering classes to help the construction workforce earn industry-recognized credentials.
This course will cover topics such as safety, rigging, construction math, and a lot of hands-on training.
Del Mar College is offering an industry-recognized credentialing course that will help job seekers move to the front of the application line.
“The great thing about this NCCER Core Curriculum Credentials with OSHA 10 Credentials class that we are offering is that you don’t have to be enrolled in any Del Mar programs to take advantage of this. This is actually going to give you a leg up when you look for that job or decide to continue with another NCCER craft,” said DMC Program Manager for Workforce Programs Dara Betz.
The 70-hour course is sanctioned by the National Center for Construction Education and Research and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
“It is pretty much a transcript that tracks training for them. So any of these employers, contractors that work with NCCER can monitor the students progress and see how many different certificates they are completing,” said DMC Welding Program Coordinator Jose Cortez.
For Francisco Castellon, who lost his job at the Sherwin Alumina Plant, this course was a great opportunity to gain skills needed for a new career and a degree.
“I know with the higher education, this really makes us more desirable in the job market, especially with all the projects that are coming to the area. So it is important to get NCCER Certification and learn the safety and ins and outs of the industry. Del Mar College offers it, and I jumped on it, and I’m really blessed,” said Del Mar College student Francisco Castellon.
“NCCER currently offers over 75 crafts; Del Mar is offering welding which is one of those 75 crafts. So basically when you come in to take our welding program, you are going to receive not only a level 1 or level 2 certificates in welding, or your Associate’s Degree, but you are also going to have the NCCER credentials on top of that,” said Betz.
Those interested can register by phone at (361) 698-1328 or in person at the DMC Center for Economic Development, 3209 S. Staples St.
Classes are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Saturdays from Aug. 18 to Oct. 6 at DMC’s West Campus, Old Brownsville and Airport roads. The cost is $300.
The course covers topics such as safety, rigging, construction math and drawings and hands-on training. NCCER credentials are recognized in the private and government industrial sectors as the standard for the training, assessment, certification and career development of construction and maintenance craftspersons.
Bechtel, Flint Hills Resources, Chemours and Valero are just a few of the local companies that recognize NCCER credentials.
