March 16, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training offers programs providing in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates.
Ian Pope was used to being on the move, with multiple career paths, including military service. When he was ready to settle down, he chose to focus on a career in the growing field of construction.
As a student in GRCC’s Residential Construction Job Training program, Pope finds special satisfaction in working with other students on a house for nonprofit Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.
“The professor has created a curriculum built around real-world experience,” he said. “It is both a classroom and a real worksite. By choosing to do this, I know I will learn how to excel while loving the work that you do.”
GRCC has a long history of providing the highest quality construction education programs in West Michigan. Workforce Training offers a variety of learning opportunities from kids camps to skills training to apprenticeships.
GRCC offers three 18-week Job training certificate programs: Introduction to Construction, Residential Construction, and Construction Electrical. Other industry certification programs include Carpentry Certification 1, Commercial Construction, Lead Abatement Training, and the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program.
The Residential Construction program takes place at a construction site, where students build a new home. Students get hands-on learning and application about the entire process of residential building including blue print reading, site layout, concrete, carpentry, door/window installation, roofing, siding, and interior finishing. Graduates are qualified for employment in the residential construction industry. The program focuses on constructing homes that achieve a 5-Star Energy rating, are Michigan Green Built, and LEED Certified.
Students will learn to identify key building materials; complete a site layout using blueprints and elevations; operate hand and power tools; observe installing of concrete foundation and complete flat work; construct floor, wall, ceiling and roof framing; demonstrate roofing applications; apply windows, exterior doors and finishes; identify thermal and moisture protection systems; measure, cut-out and install stairway; and install interior finishes including doors, windows, floor, ceiling and cabinets.
Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training.
