Virginia College School of Construction Begins Classes
Released on = April 14, 2006, 10:39 am
Press Release Author = Virginia College School of Construction
Industry = Education
Press Release Summary = The Virginia College School of Construction has begun enrolling students at its new campus in Birmingham, Alabama, and will be offering programs at the Virginia College Gulf Coast campus in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Press Release Body = The Virginia College School of Construction has begun enrolling students at its new campus in Birmingham, Alabama, and will be offering programs at the Virginia College Gulf Coast campus in Biloxi, Mississippi. Initial program offerings are Carpentry Sciences and Electrical Sciences with additional programs planned. Classes began April, 2006 in Birmingham, and are scheduled for June in Biloxi.
The Virginia College School of Construction is utilizing the industry-standard National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum. Students may complete training for a certificate, a diploma, or an associate\'s degree. The programs feature a rich mix of classroom and lab work to hone craft skills, using techniques, tools, and equipment students will encounter in the workplace. Students in each program have the opportunity to earn OSHA safety certification.
The certificate and diploma programs focus primarily on developing a full range of craft skills within each discipline, with an ongoing emphasis on safety. The associate degree builds on those skills, providing instruction to prepare students for roles as first line supervisors, with courses in project supervision, job site project controls, communication, and information technology, as well as advanced safety topics.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (in an assessment that came before Hurricane Katrina greatly boosted the need for skilled construction employees), it is expected that construction job growth will be "excellent, and especially for workers with training." The Handbook also states, \"Earnings in construction are significantly higher than the average for all industries.\"
In Birmingham, the Virginia College School of Construction campus is located at 7042 Meadowlark Drive, just off U.S. Highway 280, near Alabama Highway 119 and the Brook Highland Shopping Center. The Biloxi campus is just off Interstate 10 at 920 Cedar Lake Road.
Those seeking more information for the Birmingham location should complete the form on the School of Construction web site, www.vcschoolofconstruction.com or call 888-208-6995. For the Biloxi location, visit the web site at www.vc.edu/gulfcoast or call 228-392-2994. The school offers financial aid to those who qualify. Career placement assistance is available for graduates. Virginia College is accredited by The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.