Following the successful launch of its initial session, Blue Ridge Community College has announced two additional training opportunities for Level Up: Core Construction, an accelerated construction workforce program designed to help Western North Carolina residents rebuild after Hurricane Helene.

Offered at no cost to participants thanks to a partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and Lowe’s, the program equips students with essential skills for entry-level employment in the construction industry. The initiative is part of NCCER’s Rapid Recovery Construction Academy (RRCA), developed to support communities recovering from natural disasters through workforce training and job placement.

“At NCCER, we are passionate about the power of construction education to transform lives,” said Melissa Perkins, director of philanthropy and partnerships. “We have already seen how a RRCA ignites hope in other communities impacted by disaster, and we are proud to work with Lowe’s to do this important work again for another community in need.”

The program’s first session, which began in April, is nearing completion in mid-June with completers prepared to confidently enter the construction field. In response to strong interest and early success, Blue Ridge is now enrolling for two additional sessions:

• Session 2: Mondays, June 30 – September 8, 2025 (with no class on Sept. 1), and Tuesdays, July 29 – August 19, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Session 3: Wednesdays, July 2 – September 3, 2025, and Tuesdays, July 29 – August 19, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Each session includes hands-on training in construction safety, blueprint reading, tool operation, and employability skills, with a goal of preparing students for immediate work in the field.

Details for a fourth session will be announced later this year.

“A critical component to Blue Ridge Community College's mission is to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to build a competitive workforce,” said Dr. Scott Queen, Blue Ridge’s vice president for economic and workforce development. “Participating in an RRCA gives us a way to fulfill that mission while providing hope to our community members most affected by the recent hurricane. This partnership will provide clear pathways to new jobs and a restored community.”

Source: BRCC.