HVAC technicians and plumbers are in high demand locally. The need for construction workers, welders, and commercial drivers is also on the upswing in the area. All are very well-paying careers. These short-term Sandhills Community College Workforce Continuing Education classes can prepare you to enter these fields with the confidence that you are thoroughly equipped with the skills required for the job. With SCC instructors’ and directors’ assistance, most students have employment lined up before class completion.

“HVAC Level I” will teach students mathematics, basic electricity, introduction to heating, and cooling, introduction to air distribution systems, basic copper and plastic piping practices, soldering and brazing, and basic carbon steel piping practices. Held Tuesday and Thursday, January 17-May 23 from 6-9:30 p.m., this class will cost $211.50 plus the cost of text. BSPT Thread Fitting

“HVAC Level II” covers the following: alternating current, compressors, refrigerants and oils, leak detection evacuation recovery and charging, metering devices, heat pumps, basic maintenance, chimneys vents and flues, sheet metal duct systems, fiberglass and fabric duct systems, commercial airside systems, air quality equipment, and introduction to hydronic systems. Scholarships are available for this class. Held Monday and Wednesday, January 18-June 12 from 6-9:30 p.m., this class will cost $211.50 plus the cost of text.

“Plumbing Level 1” will introduce you to the plumbing profession, plumbing safety, tools of the plumbing trade, plumbing math, plumbing drawings, plastic pipe and fittings, copper pipe and fittings, cast-iron pipe and fittings, steel pipe and fittings, plumbing fixtures, introduction to drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, and introduction to water distribution systems. Held Tuesday and Thursday, January 17-May 11 from 6-9 p.m., this class will cost $211.50 plus the cost of text.

“Welding Essentials” focuses on the fundamentals used in basic MIG and Stick welding. The class is designed to provide basic welding skills training. The focus is on safety and techniques including metal cutting and fitting, and welding skills using generally recognized industry processes. Held Saturdays, January 7-May 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., this class will cost $287.50.

“NCCER Core: Introduction to Construction Skills” is a prerequisite/co-requisite to Level 1 Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding classes and can be taken concurrently. Modules include basic safety, communication skills, and an introduction to construction drawings. Held Monday and Wednesday, January 18-May 10 from 6-9 p.m., at the Larry Caddell Training Center in Carthage, this class will cost $211.50 plus the cost of text. An additional class will be held Tuesday and Thursday, January 10-May 2 from 6-9 p.m., on the Pinehurst campus.

“Blueprint Reading & Estimating” will provide students with this necessary skill for every trade in the construction industry. This course covers blueprint basics, specifications, site plans, and architectural plans. Then once you understand how to read the blueprints, you will learn how to do quantity takeoffs and pricing. Held Tuesday and Thursday, January 31-May 4 from 6-9 p.m., this class will cost $187.50 plus the cost of text.

In “Construction Training-Build a Tiny Home” students will learn the basics of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC by building a tiny home. Learn the skills to either enter the trades workforce or to continue your education with a trade specific class. Held Friday and Saturday, January 13-April 8 from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., this class will cost $187.50 plus the cost of text.

In “Auto Safety Inspection” students will be certified to inspect motor vehicles under the NC Motor Vehicles Safety Inspection Law. You must have a valid driver’s license for this class. Held Monday and Tuesday, January 9 and 10 from 6-10 p.m., this class will cost $75.

“Commercial Learners Permit Prep” provides training in inspecting tractor-trailers and assuming driver responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on defensive driving, federal motor carrier safety regulations, vehicle systems, hours of service, and accident prevention. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge to pass the required tests to obtain a class “A” learner’s permit for the commercial driver’s license. Held Tuesday-Thursday, January 10-19 from 6-9 p.m., this class will cost $75.

Seats are still available for these Continuing Education classes, and they do not require an application. To register, call Continuing Education at (910) 695-3980 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m.-Noon on Fridays. All major credit cards are accepted. Pre-register at sandhills.edu/cereg. Pre-registration must be made two days before the start date of the class.

The 16-week curriculum/college credit semester and first eight-week session begin on January 9. The second eight-week session begins on March 13. Students can take a mix of full-semester classes alongside eight-week session classes. Current students can register for spring semester classes using Self-Service. New students can apply from the link at www.sandhills.edu.

Workforce Continuing Education classes do not require an application and begin throughout the semester.

Go to http://bit.ly/3ENlFF8 to view the complete schedule of WCE classes and information about all SCC majors, CCP programs and classes, transfer opportunities, and registration.

Sandhills is now the location of a new Boys & Girls Club. It runs from 2:30 to 6:30 pm for kindergarten through 5th grade. This is ideal for parents/guardians taking SCC afternoon/evening classes, those who need study time, need to utilize the computer lab, or work on projects. Club participants will receive homework assistance and dinner will be provided. The cost is $40 per child per year.

In addition, there is a drop-in Club from 6-9 pm for children of parents/guardians taking evening classes or needing to meet for group projects or other reasons. Dinner will be provided for the children. This drop-in club is free. For all information, go to www.sandhillsbgc.org.

CCP Classes for High School Students

Moore and Hoke County High School students can take classes at SCC when a junior and senior. Those successfully completing the required number of CCP credits qualify for the Sandhills Promise. This program offers two full years of classes immediately following high school graduation at no cost. For all information, go to: www.sandhills.edu/admissions/sandhills-promise.

Gas Pipe Fittings Photo by Sandhills Sentinel Photographer Melissa Schaub.