TWENTY-SEVEN STUDENTS COMPLETE BLINN ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN, HVAC TECHNICIAN, PLUMBING PROGRAMS
The Blinn College District recently recognized 27 students who earned certificates of completion in the principles of electrical technician, HVAC technician, or plumbing.
Available through Blinn’s Division of Technical and Community Education, these programs prepare students to enter the workforce with nationally recognized credentials and hands-on instruction in their respective fields. All three careers are in high demand, with median salaries that exceed $50,000 per year.
“Blinn is committed to developing a skilled Brazos Valley workforce by providing students with the tools necessary to embark on high-demand trades careers,” said Richard Hobbs, facilities maintenance instruction coordinator. “With these certifications, local employers know Blinn students received industry-leading training and are prepared for immediate employment.”
To view course schedules and learn more about Blinn’s electrical technician, HVAC, and plumbing programs, visit www.blinn.edu/workforce.
PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN
Hunter Baker, Zane Cook, Tristan Graves, Elijah Hamilton, Brandon Heuermann, Charlie Lopez, Braden Lyssy, Nate Morris, Justin Pattat, Juan Rosales, and Paul Vest completed 200 contact hours to earn their certificates of completion in the principles of electrical technician.
Blinn’s program provides classroom instruction that prepares students to enter the field as apprentices. Students who complete the course earn a certificate of completion and their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour safety training card.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national demand for electricians is expected to grow 8% between 2019 and 2029, creating 62,200 new jobs with a median pay of $56,900 in 2020. Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked electrician as the third-best construction job.
PRINCIPLES OF HVAC TECHNICIAN
Colby Doelitsch, Matthew Glover, Brian Harnsberry, Kameron Metejka, Ernesto Naranjo III, Erick Nava Urbano, Aaron Nutall, James Sharp, Landon Towns, and Trevon Woods completed 200 contact hours to earn their certificates of completion in the principles of HVAC technician.
Blinn’s hands-on courses introduce students to the fundamentals of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; safety; residential and commercial applications; and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recovery certification preparation. Credentials are stackable, which allows students to enter the workforce as they pursue advanced degrees.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for HVAC professionals is $50,590 per year, and employment is expected to grow 4% between 2019 and 2029.
PRINCIPLES OF PLUMBING
Jared Burnes, James Flanagan, Patrick Foreman, Oscar Guerrero, Brendan Labarge, and Blake Sorey completed 200 contact hours to earn their certificates of completion in the principles of plumbing.
Blinn’s plumbing program covers basic safety, plumbing tools, plumbing math, plastic and copper tube fitting, water distribution systems, and much more. Offered in partnership with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), students who complete the program earn National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification, the OSHA 10-hour construction training card, and certificates from Blinn and TEEX.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for plumbers is $56,330 per year, and employment is expected to grow 4% between 2019 and 2029. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked plumber number two among the best construction jobs.
(Story courtesy Richard Bray, Blinn Information)