Orlando – On Thursday, May 8, Valencia College officials, representatives from Lowe’s, and family and friends celebrated the graduation of the first students from Valencia’s short-term skills training program for plumbing technicians.
Trained by veteran instructors, the 10 plumbing technician graduates learned how to install pipes, replace plumbing fixtures, repair and troubleshoot drain-waste-vent systems, and more in the 10-week program.
Perhaps no one was more emotional than graduate Yve Servius.
“Not long ago, I was living in my car,” the 21-year-old told the crowd. “Things weren’t going great and I didn’t have a clear direction.”
A friend took him in and his friend’s father, who’s a plumber, told Servius that plumbing had changed his life – and if Servius were willing to work hard, it could change his too.
Now, armed with three job offers after 10 interviews, Servius is excited about his future.
“This wasn’t just a class. It was a second chance,” Servius said. “I’m not stuck anymore. I’m not just getting by. I’m building something solid. And for the first time in a long time, I’m moving forward with confidence.”
Valencia College created its new plumbing program to help fill the growing need for skilled tradespeople, said Carolyn McMorran assistant vice president for professional, career and technical education at Valencia College.
“Today we are celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates. But we are also here to celebrate the significance of these construction skilled-trades programs,” McMorran said. “The lack of skilled construction professionals is a critical problem in our nation. One in five current construction professionals is over 55; their average retirement age is 61; and younger generations are not aware of the great careers that exist in this field.”
Her comments were echoed by Lauren Norman of the Lowe’s Foundation, which awarded a $500,000 Gable Grant to support the launch of Valencia College’s plumbing program, which is also supported by Mechanical One. The grant is part of the Lowe’s Foundation’s five-year, $50 million commitment to support the training of 50,000 people for skilled trades careers nationwide.
“You all represent the future of skilled trades, not just in Florida, but beyond,” Norman told the assembled graduates. “By choosing careers in the skilled trades, you have the opportunity to make a difference not just for your families, but in your community.”
While employment of plumbers is projected to grow nationally by six percent in the next decade, the need is greater in Florida – the state will need 15 percent more plumbers by 2030, according to U.S. Department of Labor data.