Western Nebraska Community College is launching the highly-anticipated Construction Trades program with its first course, Entry Level Plumber Training, starting Aug. 1 on the Scottsbluff Campus.
Working with trades professionals in the Panhandle to not only develop curriculum but also to solicit instructors, the Construction Trades program was developed to help fill essential trades positions throughout the Panhandle. Along with Plumber Training, courses include General Carpentry, Electrician Training, and HVACR.
“Nationally there is a significant shortage of trained professionals in the construction trades,” Doug Mader, WNCC workforce & lifelong learning executive director said. “Here in western Nebraska, that shortage is even more pronounced. For too long our society stressed that a good job came from a four-year degree. The reality is, careers in these trades pay well, are sustainable and can be attained without debt and a great deal of time. In a few months, someone can be on their way to becoming a plumbing apprentice and earnings potential that can exceed careers that require four or more years of college.”
The Entry Level Plumber Training course is intended for students interested in entering the plumbing industry, and designed to help students get their foot in the door as a helper with the goal of becoming a plumbing apprentice. The 20-week course will teach basic construction trade skills and develop plumbing-specific skills and knowledge.
The course is divided into two sections – an Introduction to Basic Construction Skills for the first eight weeks, and National Center for Construction Education & Research Plumbing Level 1 the final 12 weeks. Classes will be held in the evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays (6-9 p.m.) and on Saturdays (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.) to accommodate working students as well as individuals that are in-between jobs. Classes will take place in the Low Bays at the John N. Harms Center in Scottsbluff.
“Access to this type of training is critical, and we believe it is best offered in a non-traditional format,” Mader said. “Classes offered between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays don’t work for people that want to change careers while still earning a paycheck. Offering this type of training nights and on Saturdays give individuals the opportunity to either stay employed in their current job or they can hire on with a trades business and earn while they learn. The goal is to give as many people access to this training as possible.”
Tuition for the plumbing course is $3,750, and financial aid is available, including 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 plumbing apprentice.
WNCC hopes to launch an additional construction trades course later in the year in Sidney, as well as a course in Alliance in early 2024. Start dates for those courses will be determined at a later date.
For more information visit wncc.edu or to register for the Entry Level Plumber Training course, contact Rob Conn, construction trades director at or 308.635.6733.
Those interested in becoming an instructor for future Construction Trades courses can contact Mader at or 308.630.6556.
