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Center Wants To Help Build Skills

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 17, 2007

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - The Centre for Women is expanding its programs and checking off an item on executive director Beth Ficquette's wish list.

Founded in 1977, the center provides services to all genders and ages through programs such as counseling, employment skills development, substance-abuse treatment referrals and after-school assistance.

With a United Way grant, the center's Employment Services Program is offering a free, eight-week course in construction skills beginning Monday.

Course content includes basic safety, construction math, an introduction to hand and power tools, and blueprint and rigging skills. Upon completion, students will be certified as a preapprentice by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.

'Beth had a vision for an on-the-job training skills program, something that would provide basic skills that would allow them to go on with a more professional base,' said Lisa Jo Stone, administrative services director. 'We'll guide applicants through construction skills, professional skills and formal job placement.'

A $100,000 grant from Humana's 2006 Tampa Bay Benefits charitable program provided for the remodeling of the center's Senior Home Improvement Program warehouse, 5023 N. Florida Ave., where the classes will be held.

The senior program, also called SHIP, provides emergency home repairs and retrofits for low-income or disabled seniors in Hillsborough.

The construction course will give the center a pool of potential applicants for its programs, said Lisa Richardson, development and community relations director.

'In general, it's hard to find people with skills, and the highest unemployment rate is among poor people,' she said. 'This is a nice bridge that fulfills two of our needs.'

Instructor Mike Pitts, a retired contractor, said the response has been strong from men, and he's encouraging women to apply.

'Having this job, I can make a difference in a lot of people's lives who aren't making a good income,' Pitts said.

Applicants must be 18 or older, pass a drug test and background check, and be literate. Some high school education is preferable but not required. Classes are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays.

'There is such a need,' Richardson said. 'Builders have been contacting us already, saying as soon as we have graduates to let them know.'

ON COURSE

To register for the construction training program, call (813) 251-8437, Ext. 251. For information on The Centre for Women, go to www.centrefor women.org.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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