Eighteen Blinn students receive plumbing, electrical certificates

Graduates earn nationally recognized credentials and gain skills for immediate employment

February 21, 2022

The Blinn College District recently recognized 18 students who earned certificates of completion in the principles of the plumbing and electrical industries.

Available through Blinn’s Division of Technical and Community Education, these courses prepare students to enter the workforce with nationally recognized credentials and hands-on instruction in their respective fields. Blinn’s non-credit courses also can be applied toward Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in the skilled trades for students interested in continuing their education.

“Blinn is committed to developing a skilled Brazos Valley workforce by providing students with the tools necessary to embark on high-demand trades careers,” said Jay Anderson, Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences, Technical Education, and Community Programs. “Local employers know Blinn students receive industry-leading training and are prepared for immediate employment. They also can build upon these credentials and work towards additional certifications and even an Associate of Applied Science in their respective fields.”

The demand for plumbers and electricians in the workforce is high, with both fields having median salaries that exceed $50,000 per year.

To view course schedules and learn more about Blinn’s non-credit and AAS degree programs, visit  www.blinn.edu/workforce.

Students in these programs may be eligible for Duddlesten Foundation scholarships.

PRINCIPLES OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY

Willie C. Bell, Kody A. Bolls, Carson Crockett, Cameron J. Dysarz, Alexander E. Easley, James Flanagan, Jacob R. Johnston, Derek B. Kogut, Avery W. Scott, and Jacob M. Smith completed 126 contact hours to earn their certificates of completion in the principles of the electrical industry.

The course introduces students to basic direct current theory and applications. Additional courses are available for students to continue to build their skillset through Blinn’s Electrical Technology Programs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national demand for electricians is expected to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030, creating 66,100 new jobs with a median pay of $56,900 in 2020. In 2021, ranked electrician as the third-best construction job.

PRINCIPLES OF THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY

Ernesto Arriaga, John B. Cate, Jesus Contreras, Walker B. Diggins, Jameson Jobe, Strickland M. Jobe, Jacob D. Losack, and Patrick W. Okeefe completed 126 contact hours to earn their certificates of completion in the principles of the plumbing industry.

This course focuses on mathematical calculations related to the plumbing trade as well as power tools and safety practices. Students who continue their education in Blinn’s plumbing program receive instruction in copper tube fitting, water distribution systems, and much more. Upon completion of the program, graduates earn National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour construction training card, and a certificate of completion from Blinn.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for plumbers is $56,330 per year and employment is expected to grow 5% between 2020 and 2030. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked plumber number two among the best construction jobs.