SIDNEY, Neb. - Registration is open for Western Nebraska Community College's next Construction Trades program, a General Carpentry course starting Oct. 24 on the Sidney Campus.

The General Carpentry Training course is intended for students interested in entering the construction industry. The program is designed to help students get their foot in the door as a carpenter's assistant or with a goal of becoming a carpenter apprentice. Throughout the program, students will learn and become familiar with safety in construction, building materials and fasteners, construction plans and documents, floor systems, wall systems, and more.

The course will run 23 weeks, with classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6 - 9 p.m.) and full-days on Saturdays (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.). Class dates will run from Oct. 24 through Dec. 16, then resume on Jan. 2 and run through April 6. Classes will take place at 832 11th Avenue in Sidney and on the WNCC Sidney Campus.

"We're excited to begin the first Carpentry course in Sidney as we've identified this as one of the core needs in the area," Doug Mader, WNCC workforce & lifelong learning executive director said. "We want to thank Vicky Loghry in Sidney for leasing us a space in Sidney to host the class and to Adam Boetcher for helping instruct the course."

Tuition for the General Carpentry course is $3,750. Financial aid is available thorough the Nebraska Career Scholarship and Community College Gap Funding for those who qualify. Upon completion of the program, students will earn a NCCER national certification and be ready to gain employment as a carpenter apprentice.

"Gap Funding is a great financial tool designed to help individuals gain access to short-term training that leads to better employment," Mader said.

This is the second course launched as part of the Construction Trades program, with a entry-level plumber training program launching in August on the Scottsbluff Campus. WNCC will announce additional courses and start dates in other areas of the Panhandle at a later date.

In addition, WNCC will host an open house for interested individuals to learn more about the program and career opportunities on Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the Sidney Campus. To register for the course or for more information, contact Rob Conn, construction trades director at [email protected] or 308.635.6733.