Building New Careers: ECC Offers Hands-On Construction Program

East Central College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program is launching a new program to prepare adults for entry-level construction careers through hands-on training, earning participants nationally recognized certification.

Thanks to a partnership with the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), ECC will offer NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills. The course is funded through a Lowe’s Foundation grant that provides $20,000 in startup resources for each of 25 programs nationwide.

ECC’s program will focus on construction and carpentry fundamentals, including safety, hand and power tools, construction math, blueprint reading, materials handling, and employability skills. Students will also earn OSHA-10 and CPR/First Aid certification and complete a capstone carpentry project.

Orientation sessions are scheduled for July 28 and 30 from 5–9 p.m. at the ECC Training Center, Room 112. Classes begin in early August and will meet Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5–9 p.m., with additional lab time for hands-on training. Schedule your orientation for AEL.

The course is open for up to 15 adult students, with the goal of helping each participant gain meaningful employment in the construction industry. ECC is also seeking employer partners to participate in mock interviews and classroom discussions in October, providing students with valuable industry insight and networking opportunities.

Alice Whalen, AEL Director at ECC, said the new training program addresses the growing demand for workers in the skilled trades—and employer participation could play a key role.

“There is a clear need for trained construction professionals in our region,” she said. “This program gives employers a chance to connect directly with motivated individuals preparing to enter the field. That kind of early engagement can help businesses build a strong workforce pipeline.”

Whalen added that access to training close to home is essential for many adults.

“For some entry-level workers, traveling to St. Louis for training and job opportunities just isn’t feasible,” she explained. “We want to bring the training to our communities, where people live and work.”

This fast-track training initiative supports workforce development efforts by offering practical education and direct pathways into high-demand, sustainable careers in the skilled trades.

To learn more or schedule an orientation, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/college-and-career-preparation. For questions or to become an employer partner, contact ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy program at ael@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6532.