NYers Get New Pathways to Careers in Electrical or Plumbing Work, at LaGuardia Community College

February 20, 2018

Looking at NYC’s growing skyline, it’s clear how much construction is currently going on in the five boroughs. And it’s not slowing down any time soon.

According to NY State Department of Labor employment projections for NYC between 2014-2024:

• Construction is the fastest growing industry
• Specialty trade contractors, including electrical and plumbing contractors, is the 2nd fastest growing sub-sector, with an expected 34.4% employment growth

Given the growth of these sectors, and the good salaries with growth potential for electricians and plumbers, LaGuardia Community College, part of The City University of New York, is starting two new programs in Electrical 1 and Plumbing 1. The programs follow the national industry recognized National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Construction Core and Electrical/Plumbing Level 1 curricula.

The hands-on, skills-building programs are designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the electrical and plumbing fields. Program graduates can get hired as electrical or plumber helpers – and from there, work their way up to becoming master licensed electricians and plumbers over time. Many licensed electricians and plumbers choose to become small business owners—working for themselves or with their own crews.

• Median wage for electrician helpers (Electrical 1) in NYC is $35,300 and for electricians is $84,670
• Median wage for plumbing helpers (Plumbing 1) in NYC is $41,560 and for plumbers is $76,410

The approx. 200-hour programs are great opportunities for people who want to get into these trades, such as someone who has some experience working in the construction sector, and wants to get more specialized skills to grow their salary and career potential.

Either a high school diploma or construction experience is required for applicants; college degree not required.

Classes are held in evening, to accommodate students working while going to school. Each program is 15-hours per week. Plumbing 1 begins March 19, and Electrical 1 begins April 2.

Classes will be held at Queens Vocational and Technical High School, close to LaGuardia Community College, at their state-of-the-art, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certified facilities.

Tuition for each program is affordable, and includes the pipes, electrical wires, and other supplies and books used in the programs.

• Plumbing One: tuition is $2239 and includes all books and supplies, with payment plan available. 217 hours, mid-March – June 2018. Classes Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays, 4:30—9:30pm.
• Electrical One: tuition is $1884 and includes all books and supplies, with payment plan available. 185 hours, April – June 2018. Classes Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays, 4:30—9:30pm.

Those interested in these training programs are encouraged to sign-up NOW – deadline is March 8. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are 25 spots for each class.

To apply or get more info, contact David Daza at (718) 482-5231 or ddaza@lagcc.cuny.edu or Yacquelin Nava at (718) 482-6031 or ynava@lagcc.cuny.edu.