38 GCA Trades Academy students receive level completion certificates

June 21, 2024
38 GCA Trades Academy students receive level completion certificates

Thirty-eight Guam Department of Labor and Guam Department of Education students received GCA Trades Academy level completion certificates in the Core Curriculum and Construction Craft Laborer classes during a presentation ceremony at the GCA Trades Academy’s Tiyan Training Facility on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Core Curriculum classes include basic safety, introduction to construction math, introduction to hand tools and power tools, and introduction to construction drawings and materials handling. Construction Craft Laborer (CCL) classes introduce students to a variety of trades, including carpentry, masonry, ironworking, electrical, welding, heavy equipment, and cranes. Upon completion of this two-level course the student has the basic knowledge needed on a construction job site.

Presenting the certificates were Bert Johnston, education director, GCA Trades Academy; Dr. Kenneth Erik Swanson, superintendent of education, Guam Department of Education; Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio; Bill Beery, chairman, board of trustees, GCA Trades Academy; Monty McDowell, vice chairman, board of trustees, GCA Trades Academy; Joe Roberto, past chairman, Guam Contractors Association; Camilo Lorenzo, board member, Guam Contractors Association; Theresa Camacho, Guam Department of Labor; and Vanessa Rivera, 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.