15 apprentices and soil erosion and sediment control students received level completion certificates from the GCA Trades Academy at its Tiyan Training Facility on Wednesday, October 4.

Presenting the certificates were Monty McDowell, vice chairman, board of trustees, GCA Trades Academy; James Martinez, president, Guam Contractors Association; and Gerard Toves, deputy director, Guam Department of Labor.

Founded in September 2006, more than 5,000 students have been trained at the GCA Trades Academy which was established to provide a nationally recognized industry skills training center (credentialed by NCCER), support U.S. Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship training programs, and to support the skilled labor needs of construction contractors and related industries doing business on Guam. Instructors are local construction professionals trained to teach the NCCER program.

The GCA Trades Academy offers a wide variety of training programs including electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, construction craft laborer, safety, project management, welding, and heavy equipment operation.

With classes open to all abilities and levels, the GCA Trades Academy strives to improve skills and empower the region's workforce.