Cadets Learn about Careers as they Tour Center for Trades and Energy Training
The College of Southern Maryland Center for Trades and Energy Training (CTET) in Waldorf welcomed cadets from Freestate ChalleNGe Academy at Aberdeen Proving Grounds to tour the facility and learn about careers in construction as well as associate degree programs. The academy is part of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program.
This is our first visit to CSM and we wanted to show these young men and women the opportunities available to them in the trades, said Freestate Academy Placement Coordinator Keith Hammond. CTET Director Dr. Ricky C. Godbolt had visited the academy for career day earlier in November and when he invited the students to come for a visit, We jumped on it, said Hammond.
The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy has been taking the steps to help students who have fallen through the cracks by providing discipline and opportunities to see themselves in successful careers. By visiting community colleges throughout the state, these students can see a pathway to a bright future, said Godbolt.
The nine cadets participating in the tour of welding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry labs are all Charles County residents. The cadets also watched a video on careers in construction where the narrator said that college isnt for everyone.
How many of you believe that college is not for everyone, Godbolt asked. When you hear people say that college isnt for everyone, they are not talking about community colleges. This college, CSM, is for everyonefor students that want a career in the skilled trades as well as students who want to transfer for a four-year degree.
Godbolt added that for any students considering a career in the trades CSM is a great option with national certifications for North American Technician Excellence (NATE) for HVAC/R, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level Exams for the Solar Industry, American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications, Continuing Education for Master Electricians, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credentials, National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE). Students also have an opportunity to be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and compete for more than $150,000 dollars in scholarships.
The Freestate ChalleNGe Academys stated mission is to intervene in the lives of at-risk high school dropouts by providing the skills, education and self-discipline needed to produce responsible, productive citizens. For information, visit http://www.ngycp.org/site/state/md/ .
For information on trades training programs available through CTET, visit http://www.csmd.edu/WorkforceDevelopment/Construction.html or visit Careers in Construction Day, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Dec. 7, at the Center for Trades and Energy Training, 17 Irongate Drive, Waldorf.
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Careers in Construction Day. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Dec. 7, College of Southern Maryland, Center for Center for Trades and Energy Training (CTET), 17 Irongate Drive, Waldorf. This CTET career and job fair brings local business and military organizations together in one place to recruit trades workers in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, welding and carpentry for job openings and future workforce needs. Within the highly competitive construction industry, those with certifications and licenses, as well as entry-level workers, are invited to learn about opportunities in Southern Maryland. Participants are encouraged to bring resumes and to be dressed for an interview. Information on CSM training in the trades will be available. Free. For information, contact CSM CTET Director Dr. Ricky C. Godbolt, rgodbolt@csmd.edu or 301-539-4733.