Decatur Community Embraces New Skills With Calhoun Construction Academy

On an ordinary Monday in Decatur, more than a dozen individuals dig into their potential as they operate skid steer loaders, spreading mulch with gusto. This unusual sight is a part of Calhoun Community College’s groundbreaking initiative: the Calhoun Construction Academy.

Meeting Local Demand for Construction Skills

The academy, which started this week at Calhoun Community College, offers a free construction course aimed at equipping students with skills to operate skid steers, excavators, road rollers and bulldozers. This program paves the way for participants to join the local construction workforce, augmenting their employability.

Doug Brazier, director of workforce solutions, enlightened about the growing popularity of the academy, which offers three modules throughout the year. Following the successful completion of the first module in June, the academy has seen an inundation of interest from the community.

Participants: A Vibrant Mosaic of Learners

According to Brazier, the academy has welcomed a diverse set of participants ranging from high school students to retirees. Over 100 individuals have enrolled for the course this month, having been impressed by the immediate and practical benefits of the training.

Preparing for A Bright Future

Participants need to register in advance and complete online modules related to construction theory provided by the Alabama Community College System Innovation Center. These certifications reflect on the transcript of the participants, increasing their chances of receiving job offers from local companies during the course itself.

A Gateway to Enhanced Skills and New Opportunities

Anna Christensen, a 22-year-old participant with unique goals, used the academy as an opportunity to assist her father’s land servicing company more effectively while pursuing her college degree in electrical engineering. Her experience highlights that both high school students and working adults can find immense value in these courses.

The academy also witnessed the enthusiasm of recent high school graduates such as Micah McKinney and Diego Vivero, who see potential future careers in construction. McKinney emphasized the value of the free course, which can add weight to his job resume, while Vivero saw value in acquiring useful skills while being unable to afford college.

Joining Hands With The Community

Local businesses are also actively engaged with the academy, with companies like Decatur Utilities sending their workers for training. This initiative underlines the importance of continuous learning and skill development in the current employment scenario, helping remain competitive in the job market.

Calhoun Construction Academy, hence, contributes significantly to its community, aiding workers and students in bolstering their skills and employability in the high-demand sector of construction, thereby creating a win-win situation for individuals and potential employers alike.