Each person has the power to forge his or her own path to prepare for positions in the construction industry. After introductory education is completed, there are plenty of options to suit all types of learning styles, interests, and goals. The shortest route takes just a semester to earn a certificate and enter directly into the workforce better prepared. The longest, on the other hand, takes two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. Today, we share two Northwest Ohio colleges that offer certificates and degrees that can catapult careers in construction.
Rhodes State College located at 4240 Campus Drive Lima, Ohio 45804
Formerly known as Lima Technical College, Rhodes State College welcomed its first students in 1969. Since then, this public, state-assisted college has prepared students to start their careers and developed the local workforce. Rhodes State provides credit and non-credit career training as well as curricular programs that prepare students to transfer to another college or university. For those eager to join the construction industry, Rhodes State has both certificate and associate’s degree programs.
Individuals who are interested in a career as an electrician can take the certificate route to earn an Electrical Certificate. Students receive hands-on and classroom setting training to learn about everything from electrical measurement to circuit construction and circuit analysis. Exposure to state-of-the-art equipment and computer-based number systems and logic circuits prepares for the unexpected that come up on the job.
As for a two-year program, Rhodes State College’s Concrete Technician Associate’s Degree is one of five in the nation. Upon completion of this course, students must successfully pass the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI) Certification tests for Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I as well as Concrete Laboratory Testing Technicians – Grades I and II. Then, individuals can be employed in the areas of mix designers, material testing technicians, batch plant operators, admixture representatives, plant managers and project managers.
These are just two of the options available. To learn more about all of Rhodes State College’s programs, visit their website here.
Terra State Community College located at 2830 Napoleon Rd.
Fremont, OH 43420
Terra State has its own Technology and Skilled Trades Division, which trains students for skilled trades including computer systems, welding, and more. With 8 programs and 35 degrees or certificates, there is a program to help anyone create their ideal career in construction.
Their Construction Technology program is ideal for those who are looking for a broad range of opportunities. It prepares students with basic principles, skills, and practices to construct buildings, residential buildings, and other structures safely and effectively. Graduates of this program can work in a variety of trades.
On the other hand, Terra State’s HVACR program is specialized to strictly Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration jobs. This program gives students the skills they need to do everything from install to troubleshoot HVACR equipment. Graduates of this program can become a system installer, self-employed HVACR contractor, or energy management technician.
To learn more about all of Terra State Community College’s programs, visit their website here.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll feature a few colleges from each region. As always, if you or someone you know has any questions about these programs or about the construction industry in general, contact us. We at I Build America – Ohio are here to support you on your path.
