Job hunters, there's a new program at a bay area college that you'll want to hear about. Manatee Technical College is offering new express classes, they say, will almost certainly lead to a higher-paying job. The classes are just 12-weeks long and completely free.
MTC is asking for 12-weeks of your time. All to get you a job in plumbing or electrical.
“This is an extremely short amount of time," said plumbing instructor John Kenney, "The normal plumbing program is a year.”
Kenney gets multiple calls per week from plumbing companies needing new employees, but there’s a problem.
“They need someone to start on a job almost immediately," he said.
His students graduate in a year. Too long of a wait for some employers. That’s why MTC is streamlining the process from one year to 12-weeks. Training for a lower-level certification compared to the full program. Getting your foot in the door to a high paying job.
In just 3 short months you’ll be OSHA certified, get another certification in CPR and first aide. Plus, three means opportunity with a national certification in plumbing or electrical. Tuition, classes and safety and materials are all free because these companies are forking over hundreds of dollars in scholarships and grants to the school.
“Their mindset is that they are desperate to get some young people," said Kenney.
He tells ABC Action News that plumbing especially gets a bad rap with millennials who look at it as a dirty job. As older plumbers retire, these companies are having a hard time finding people to fill the spots.
Enrollment at MTC and other similar schools across the nation shows this age group avoiding plumbing training. Kenney says, what they don't know is that most plumbing jobs of today involve new construction.
“You’re looking at $12 to $15 an hour to start," he said.
But he insists, be prepared to put in the work in these new express classes and he’s confident he can help you begin your career.
“We can line up jobs for them so at the end of the 12 weeks we’ll have jobs for them," said Kenney.
Classes start in August. There's around 40 available spots in the two classes. Call MTC at 941-751-7900 to get more details about their plumbing and electrical express classes.
