Opportunity awaits in Tennessee’s construction industry – and all across the state, schools and apprenticeship programs are training the next generation of skilled workers. As part of our mission to enhance the image of the construction industry and promote the industry’s various career paths, we’re launching the Go Build Tennessee “Training Program of the Month” feature to highlight the multitude of training pathways to a successful career in Tennessee’s construction industry.
In Tennessee alone, there are more than 110 different programs across the state, so no matter where you live – if you’re interested in a career in construction there’s an opportunity within reach — you just have to take the first step.
Our June “Training Program of the Month” is the West TN ABC Apprenticeship Program
WEST TN ABC APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
WTCABC is committed to a well-trained, well-educated construction workforce. To that end, we have operated an apprenticeship program since 1987 approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT) of the U.S. Department of Labor. Our program currently offers apprenticeships in 12 different trades and is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). In addition to craft training, WTCABC is a certified skills assessment center and has the flexibility to design a craft training program to fit your specific needs.
Construction-Related Trades & Degrees: WTCABC currently offers apprenticeship programs in the following trades: Carpentry, Construction Technology, Electrical, Electronic System Tech, Heavy Equipment, HVAC, Masonry, Pipefitting, Plumbing, Scaffolding, Sheet Metal, Welding. We also offer management courses in Blueprint Reading, Project Management, Supervisor Training, Estimating, etc. We also offer numerous safety training courses including Silica Dust Awareness, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, CPR, BBP, Fall Protection, etc.
What makes this program unique? This program is primarily based online, which allows students to complete their coursework on their own time and whenever they want. Each level in our program can also be completed in 6 months, instead of the traditional year. This allows students to complete all 4 levels of most programs in 2 years, instead of 4 years.
What’s the Learning Experience Like? We strive to create a low stress, personalized learning experience to fit each individual person’s needs.
What advice would you give to those seeking a career in the skilled trades? If you are wanting to succeed in a career, not just a job, and you want to be able to earn a great living, without student loan debt, then construction is for you! There are a ton of different paths that can lead you to success in this industry; you just have to pick the path that’s right for you. Start as early as you can, learning and gaining experience.
How many students are currently enrolled? Currently, we have 77 apprentices enrolled in our program, plus approximately 400 high school students who are using our curriculum.
What’s the best way for a potential student and their parents to gather information on your program? Anyone interested in our program can visit our website at www.wtcabc.org or call the ABC office at 901-794-9212.
Are there any new and exciting developments you’d like to share? This year, our Chapter has chosen to make Career & Technical Education classrooms and shops the focus of our community service efforts. We will be “beautifying” some of the teacher’s classrooms that we work with, as well as the fronts of some Career & Technology Centers in Shelby County.
TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT AMBER HARRIS AT THE WTCABC OFFICE AT (901) 794-9212 OR BY EMAIL (AMBER@WTCABC.ORG)