BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A free home construction training program will start this summer — good news for anyone wanting to learn the useful trade or brush up their skills.
Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure and Northampton Community College and announced Wednesday the college will providing the free training, thanks to a grant from the county's department of economic development.
The seven-week training program will be from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Aug. 19–Oct. 3 at the Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem.Northampton County news release
The seven-week training program will be from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Aug. 19–Oct. 3 at the Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem.
The free training program will include hands-on instruction in basic construction methods and operations, including hand and power tools, framing and applications of trim, drywall and wall repairs, door and window installation, ladder and scaffolding safety and building code awareness.
Candidates who successfully complete the program will earn a U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-Hour Outreach Training for Construction card.
An employer day also will be included so participants will have the opportunity to network and interview with potential employers.
How to register, participate
Interested participants must attend a mandatory Information Session at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. July 11 in Room 505 at the Fowler Family Center.
Northampton County residents interested in registering should email Heather Ehritz at heritz@northampton.edu for the information session and questions.
Participants will be qualified once the requirements are met and following an interview process.
Funding for the training comes from the COVID-19 Response Restricted Account to the state Department of Community and Economic Development for the Whole-Home Repairs Program.
It connects trainees to jobs through committed employer partnerships related to improving the habitability and performance of homes.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, Pennsylvania ranked fifth in the nation for highest employment level in the construction industry, with an annual mean wage of $52,290.
