Want to learn carpentry and help rebuild Texas? Free training program restarts July 29
Article by: Michael Bratten
Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Coastal Bend almost two years ago, but rebuilding continues in communities throughout Aransas, San Patricio, Refugio and Nueces counties. To meet the ongoing demand for skilled workers in the construction industry, Del Mar College (DMC) is offering a free program to help area residents become qualified carpenters.
Registration is underway for the next two sessions of the Rebuild Texas Carpentry Skills Training program, which run 10 weeks simultaneously from July 29 through October 1 and are open to anyone age 18 or older. No prior experience is required, and all tools and supplies are provided.
The program is great for someone who wants to get to work quickly, doesn’t mind working outside and wants to make a decent wage. The skills they learn will last a lifetime, regardless of the profession they choose. There is a high demand for carpenters in the area right now.
Those interested can register at the DMC Center for Economic Development, 3209 S. Staples St., or by calling (361) 698-1328. Seating is limited.
Classes are held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and participants can choose to attend at one of three locations:
- Del Mar College West Campus
4101 Old Brownsville Road
Corpus Christi, TX 78405
- Rockport-Fulton High School
1801 Omohundro St.
Rockport, TX 78382
- Ingleside High School
2789 Avenue G
Ingleside, TX 78362
The program is made possible by a nearly $880,000 grant from the Rebuild Texas Fund, Rivera said.
During the program, participants will construct a tiny home incorporating all the essential skills they’ve learned.
Courses include:
- OSHA 30-HR Construction Certification
- Construction Math and Measurement
- Introduction to Power Tools
- Introduction to Blueprint Reading
- Communication and Workplace Skills
- Tools and Techniques for Carpentry
- Framing and General Construction
Participants may be referred to contractors and builders for hiring consideration upon completing the program, Rivera said.
Subsequent sessions are scheduled to run from October 7 through December 17. The first session began in May at Rockport-Fulton High School and concludes July 24. The media will be invited to the July 24 completion ceremony.
This is an opportunity for Coastal Bend residents to take advantage of the industrial growth happening in the area and get a viable career out of it. Participants can also have a hand in rebuilding their own community. The homes and buildings they work on will likely be here for future generations to see.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.