As part of its ongoing commitment to develop workforce training options to people in its district, Richland Community College has created the Construction Training Program.
William Ditty, coordinator for the program, is excited to offer this new opportunity. William is a recent graduate of Richland Community College’s business program and completed his internship in the Workforce Development Division during the Fall 2021 semester. Prior to attending Richland, he spent almost 20 years in the Sheet Metal Workers Local 218 where he worked as a journeyman, shop foreman, field foreman, and superintendent.
He says, “The meat of the program will give students the hands-on training in basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, concrete forming, and much more to make the graduates more than ready for that entry level construction job that will lead to an rewarding and fulfilling career.”
In addition, the training will include instruction in math skills for construction trades, OSHA 10 certification, hand and power tool safety and usage, reading of blueprints and scale ruler, and forklift, scissor lift and telescopic boom lifts. Students will also be taught Trauma-Informed Essential Skills such as communication, teamwork, dependability, resume writing help, and proper interview techniques.
Anyone interested in the program will need to attend one of these four orientation sessions: April 6 at 10am or 2pm, or April 7 at 10am or 5pm. Registration for these orientations is online at www.richland.edu/construction or you can email wwditty@richland.edu with questions. The program will begin May 2.