In an effort to help Maine's construction industry connect with qualified workers, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) has announced that its new Construction Institute will be ready for students this fall.

The Construction Institute's development was a collaborative effort between SMCC and individuals in the state's construction industry to help provide workers with necessary training. The program comes at a time when construction workers are in high demand due to a combination of Maine's surge in construction projects and low unemployment rate, SMCC said in a news release.

The Construction Institute will offer five courses this fall, including Building Concepts and Leveling, Print Reading, Tool Safety, Construction Safety and Framing Methods. Additionally, Maine Quality Centers has agreed to provide grant funding for the Construction Institute to the first 16 qualified Mine residents. Once students have completed the program, they will receive a readiness certificate, and will have the chance to explore their career options at a meet-and-greet session with employers.

SMCC also offers a 24-credit, one-year certificate in Construction Technology that includes both technical and hands-on experience. Upon completing the program, students will receive an Academic Construction Certificate. Additionally, students can earn a two-year associate degree in Construction Technology.

According to SMCC President Ron Cantor, the Construction Institute is working to accommodate both the needs of its students as well as the needs of the industry through flexible schedules and stackable courses, so students can work through the program at their own pace.

"The Construction Institute teaches skills that are in high demand while allowing individuals to continue their education without having to complete an entire degree program," Cantor said. "As an added benefit, students can apply the classes toward a degree or certificate in Construction Technology should they choose, giving them the option to further their education even more in the future."

According to Jonathan Smith, president of Great Falls Construction, and president of the Associated General Contractors of Maine, the Construction Institute will be a great benefit. "We're doing a lot as an industry to bring the next generation of construction workers along," said Smith. "Anything we can do along those lines will help. There's no shortage of need from the industry."

For more information, visit www.smccme.edu.

For more stories about construction education around the country, visit Construction Equipment Guide's Education section.

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