The demand to hire qualified carpenters grows each day in Laredo as the residential construction industry continues to flourish.
To meet the demand for this occupation, Laredo Community College has responded by developing a Carpentry Technology training program, which starts on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
The three-semester-long certificate program, approved recently by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, is expected to produce entry-level carpenters to acquire skills in woodworking, framing and the basics of construction management.
Students also will become familiarized with important building codes and inspection guidelines.
The classes will be offered by the Industrial Trades Department in the Moore Vocational Building at the main campus, West End Washington Street.
“The idea to offer this training program to the community was prompted at the request of area builders who sought a quality training program in residential construction,” Fred Solis, dean of workforce education, said.
“New legislation is mandating that new residential owners hire a skilled and credentialed workforce to prevent the voiding of warranties in new homes,” Solis added.
He added that the college is grateful to have received valuable assistance from local builders—including the Laredo Builders Association, Habitat for Humanity and independent contractors—to develop the new program of study.
LCC launches the certificate training program this spring with two courses: Introduction to Carpentry (CRPT 1329) and Forms and Foundations (CRPT 1425). Both courses begin on Feb. 1 and continue through May 5.
Introduction to Carpentry familiarizes the student to the carpentry trade. Safety, tools, equipment, terminology and methods related to this vocation will be studied. The course will be taught on Tuesdays from 6 to 9:50 p.m.
The course on Forms and Foundations focuses on the construction of basic form and foundation systems. Students will learn about safety, tools, equipment and building layout.
It disciplines the future carpenter to observe safe-work practices and gain knowledge on the selection, use and maintenance of tools and equipment. The class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9:10 p.m.
Registration for the two new courses is under way at the main campus in the Admissions/Registration Office in Memorial Hall, room 223, or in the Counseling Center, room 107.
For more information, contact the LCC Industrial Trades Department at 794-4071 or the office of the Dean of Workforce Education at 721-5437.
Equipment dedicated for the new Carpentry Technology program at Laredo Community College is inspected by Fortunato Aldape, chair of the LCC Industrial Trades Department Wednesday. The college is scheduled to offer new courses on Wednesday, Feb. 1 to introduce training for this high-demand profession.
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