Program Aims to Address Skilled Trades Gap

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA new partnership aims to address the skilled trades gap by preparing workers for the building trades industry. WorkOne and Bethel College are joining with local unions and employers to provide a two-week building trades training program.
The first two-week session begins Monday at WorkOne in South Bend. Students will learn from industry professionals, earn OSHA 10 and first aid certifications and gain hands-on experience. Students will attend an exclusive job fair with local trade unions and non-union employers after completing the program.
WorkOne and Bethel College have previously worked together on a similar program for the hospitality and tourism industry. Lisa Greco, director of corporate relations for Bethel, said 17 of the 19 people who completed the program received job offers from local hospitality and tourism employers.
"We feel we have been able to develop an excellent short-term training template that generates a better first-day employee," said Greco. "We see our role as preparing individuals to make and keep a commitment to building careers in the fields demanding more employees."
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 153 will provide training material and equipment for the program.