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HCC receives grant from Appalachian Regional Commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently announced approval of a grant in the amount of $197,331 to Hagerstown Community College for “Blueprints to Success: Expanding Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Programs.”

“The funding received from the ARC will enable the college to purchase equipment that will enhance training in the skilled trades area at the Bowman Training Center,” said Jack Drooger, HCC's senior program manager for workforce training. “From construction registered apprenticeships to automotive/diesel programs, hundreds of students will benefit with expanded training capabilities that will make them even more job capable for area employers.”

With ARC’s investment, 274 students will use the new equipment to complete their training program and/or earn industry-recognized credentials. In addition to the ARC grant, HCC will provide matching funds in the amount of $197,331, bringing the total project funding to $394,662.

Appalachian Maryland faces a growing labor shortage in the construction and trades, with demand for HVAC technicians, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians expected to rise. Through this project, HCC will purchase and install high-tech training equipment, including low voltage/alarm trainers (for electrical training), drill presses and other carpentry equipment, and an oil furnace (for HVAC training). These items will allow HCC instructors to provide students with hands-on training in these growing fields.

HCC has engaged a network of local employers who will participate in the project through curriculum development, advisory board participation, and, primarily, hosting students in registered apprenticeships in their fields of study. These partnerships will benefit the students through skills attainment and work exposure, and the employers by providing them with a pipeline of skilled employees they need to thrive.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.

To learn more about HCC’s construction trades and registered apprenticeship programs, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/construction-trades.