GCA Trades Academy students and apprentices received completion certificates from classes funded by the Manpower Development Fund, Guam Department of Education and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The 33 apprentices and students earned their level completion certificates in the fields of project management, core curriculum, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, heavy equipment operations, and other trades. The ceremony was held at the GCA Trades Academy’s Tiyan Training Facility on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Presenting the certificates were Bert Johnston, education director, GCA Trades Academy, Monty McDowell, vice chairman, board of trustees, GCA Trades Academy; Bill Beery, chairman, board of trustees, GCA Trades Academy; Francine Taitague, safety, training and education coordinator, 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.