SCCAA Announces Construction Training and Job Placement Program

WAKEFIELD – Rhode Island’s construction industry is forecast to add more than 4,000 jobs through 2022, according to the state Department of Labor and Training, and in an effort to ensure that job seekers have the right skills and experience, South County Community Action Agency is recruiting 15 participants for a construction trade training and placement program, set to begin in March.

“Our partnership with RI DLT and the Chariho School Department is a critical step in providing opportunities in the growing construction industry,” explained South County Community Action President and CEO Joseph DeSantis. “This new program provides training to participants and pays for work experience at local businesses, further improving the chances that our candidates will find gainful employment in this field.”

The program will be held at Chariho Regional Career and Technical Center, and will include 80 hours of paid training in site safety and OSHA regulations, use of hand and power tools, blueprint and design basics, and other core skills. Classes are scheduled to begin on March 15.

“Participants will be getting classroom and hands-on training, as well as certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research, giving them tangible results quickly,” said SCCAA Special Projects Director Dave Banno. “This also provides great motivation for students, since they can see their work pay off in the form of official credentials from a prestigious industry organization.”

For employers, SCCAA funds a six-week work experience at a local construction-related company, which the agency has identified through its contacts at the four area Chambers of Commerce in Washington County.“Paying the first few weeks’ salary improves the chances of a good match for the employer at no cost, and of finding a participant that they can hire for the long term,” DeSantis explained.

“This program is truly a win-win, as it improves the overall skill level of the applicant pool and gives construction-related businesses a way to hire and retain talented employees.”

Applicants to the program must be 18 to 25 years old and can be a resident of any Rhode Island town except Providence and Cranston.

For more information on the Chariho Construction Training Program, call Tammy DaSilva at (401) 741-6211 or email tdasilva@sccainc.org.

Image: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers via osha.gov