LCC’s Construction Trades Building Expands to Accommodate Student Growth

(Lamar, Colorado; April 10, 2014) Lamar Community College’s Construction Technology Program has continued to expand in recent years. Traditional and non-traditional, men and women, those who have a career and those who are improving skills for their current career, have enrolled in the program.

As the Construction Technology program continued to add students, the construction trades building lacked capacity to accommodate the increased number of students in the welding program, upgrades were needed to the electrical infrastructure, as well as the ventilation in order to meet the demands of the growing program. The current renovation began in August 2013 and was complete in February 2014. The project was funded through Title III grant monies which were originally granted to LCC in 2008.

The remodel tripled the buildings electrical capacity. Cross-vent ventilation tables and a cooling system were added. The building now contains 10 fully self-ventilating tables and open floor space.

Through the renovation process, the program has continued to receive community input. In October of 2013 the Construction Trades Program held a stakeholders meeting to have an open discussion on how to improve program offerings and meet workforce needs. From the meeting LCC learned employers need trained workers who are able to step into the workplace and begin immediately. They need to be versed in all types of welding and understand shop practices.

Through Title III funds and continued program development LCC’s construction trades welding program is growing and becoming more rigorous by the day. Students in the program are being trained in multiple types of welding and will be highly employable upon graduation.

For more information on the Construction Technology or Welding programs please contact Kelli Gaines at 719.336.1523 or visit the website at www.lamarcc.edu.

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