N.C. school preparing students for construction careers

FLAT ROCK, N.C. — Blue Ridge Community College is trying to fill gaps in the workforce while helping speed up recovery from Helene. 

The school’s Level Up: Core Construction accelerated workforce program offers free training for students, preparing them for entry-level construction jobs. 

In partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Lowe’s, Blue Ridge Community College launched the course to help workers in western North Carolina get jobs and help with rebuilding communities damaged by Helene. 

The training is providing workers hands-on experience in skills, including forklift operation safety.

Graduate Agustin Ramirez-Cruz secured an apprenticeship after completing the Level Up program. 

He said the training prepared him to step in when families needed help after the storm.

“Working with a lot of air conditioning units, damages after Helene, a lot of flooded units, loose connections, damaged fence, and this class really prepared me for most of it,” Ramirez-Cruz said. 

“[A customer] was upset because during Helene [her unit] wasn’t working. Now that we got it back up and running, she’s very happy and that felt good. They really appreciate when somebody comes out and fixes something they can’t do themselves,” Ramirez-Cruz said. 

Ramirez-Cruz has returned to Level Up to mentor new students. 

“I feel great giving back,” Ramirez-Cruz said. “You’re gaining a lot. For anyone that wants to take this course – it’s really a step forward.” 

Instructors say the program, made possible through a grant from NCCER, is also addressing the region’s shortage of skilled trades workers.

Jason Baxley is the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing instructor at Blue Ridge. 

He said the program is helping neighbors pursue construction careers while helping to rebuild their communities. 

“We wanted to make sure there was no burden on the student for tuition,” Baxley said. “Made sure this is a free class for anyone who wanted to take it to get back on their feet.” 

“We are already lacking in the skilled trades environment as it is in terms of employment. Being able to offer a program that’s free to the students really invigorated that spirit in a lot of people to give back and want to help their community,” Baxley said.

Level Up graduates earn the NCCER Core Credential and a professional toolkit valued at over $500. 

Blue Ridge has added more sessions of the Level Up courses, beginning Sept. 17 and Sept. 23. Blue Ridge leaders said students leave the program prepared for immediate employment or further training through Apprenticeship Blue Ridge.