Construction workers and prospective construction workers will have a new education option this fall. Southern Maine Community College President Ron Cantor said it will be called the Construction Institute.
“Where a student can take a course or two or three, short term, maybe not a full semester course, maybe not even for credit. But, we said to the industry, ‘What are the skills you really need?’ They said things like print reading and framing methods, and construction safety. Well, put those three together, short-term workshops, and they can go get a job,” he said.
Cantor said the institute could help businesses that need new workers quick, and workers who need new jobs quick.
“To meet their obligations, to pay the rent, put the car on the road, etc. They can’t wait two years out of the workforce,” he said.
Speaking at the construction site for the new headquarters of Sebago Brewing in Gorham, Cantor said the courses will be designed so students can use them, over time, to work toward a certificate or associate degree.
