To help address expanding workforce needs of the Qualla Boundary, Southwestern Community College will be offering a Facilities Maintenance Training Program completely free for enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
The program is being offered in partnership with the Tribal Employment Right Office (TERO). SCC will provide scholarships to cover registration fees, and TERO is providing tools, supplies and classroom/training space.
EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks and Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the program on Feb. 5 in Cherokee.
“It’s a great honor to be able to share this partnership with SCC and our TERO program for the free facilities training program,” Chief Hicks said. “As an SCC alumnus myself, I credit this school with helping me for the last 29 years as a Certified Public Accountant. We have dedicated employees that are wanting to further their training and education in the work force and I’m excited about the working opportunities this will bring to the EBCI.”
Training will cover basic construction, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and building maintenance. Participants will also acquire CPR, Forklift and OSHA-10 certifications.
Fifteen participants have already signed up for the first class, which includes 360 hours of training and started last month.
“Southwestern and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have a very rich history of working together, and this particular program will help fill a tremendous need on the Qualla Boundary,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC President. “This will not only help employers to fill key vacancies, but we’re helping area residents find fulfilling jobs. It’s very much a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
For more information or to sign up for a future class, contact Latresa Shuler at 828.339.4425 or ldowns@SouthwesternCC.edu.
