FLAT ROCK, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As demand for skilled construction workers continues to increase in Western North Carolina, Blue Ridge Community College is expanding a free training program aimed at helping residents quickly enter the field.
The college will offer three sessions of its Level Up: Core Construction program this summer, with start dates on May 19, June 8 and June 9. Courses are scheduled on varying days, including an evening option designed for working adults.
The short-term program provides foundational skills needed for construction careers, including safety practices, tool use, construction math and blueprint reading. Participants also gain hands-on experience across multiple trades such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing and carpentry.
Funded through grants from the National Center for Construction Education and Research and the Lowe’s Foundation, the program is offered at no cost to students. Those who complete the training receive a professional-grade toolkit to help them transition directly into the workforce.
“This program is built to give you real, job-ready skills,” said Jason Baxley, an instructor in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing at the college. “You’ll learn the core fundamentals of construction and skilled trades.”
The program launched in the months following Tropical Storm Helene as part of an effort to strengthen the region’s construction workforce and support ongoing rebuilding efforts.
College officials say the initiative is part of a broader push to meet workforce demands by preparing students for high-skill, in-demand jobs while offering flexible scheduling options for those balancing work and other commitments.
Registration is open for all sessions. Applicants can enroll online and are instructed to select the scholarship option to waive course fees.
Blue Ridge Community College also recognized graduates of the program during a ceremony in December, honoring students who completed the training and are now prepared to enter the workforce.