(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College’s Continuing Education recently earned an electrical certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), giving the college the opportunity to create its first NCCER Electrical Level 1 course.

NCCER Electrical Level 1 is now added to NCCER Construction and NCCER Welding already offered through the department.

The 224-hour electrical course consists of NCCER Core, NCCER Electrical, and safety and forklift components. Those who enroll in the course can expect to learn the foundation of safety, communication skills and construction drawings to the theory of residential electrical circuits.

“Many of the employers out there require their employees to obtain additional NCCER certifications or continuing education hours,” said Myra Deleon, TSTC Continuing Education project manager. “So for many being able to earn these certifications locally is a convenience.”

In addition to the basic electrical wiring training, students will also become forklift-certified and will become familiar with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

According to Deleon, this NCCER certification can help graduates qualify for electrical jobs anywhere throughout the United States. The additional forklift and OSHA trainings also make students more marketable.

“This course has a big impact for anyone pursuing electrical occupations,” said Deleon. “It can give someone a step up and make them competitive when pursuing a job, or maybe help someone get a promotion.”

The NCCER Electrical Level 1 course is held in the evening and open to anyone in or pursuing a career in the industry.

“Most of our continuing education students hold full-time jobs or take classes at the college full-time,” said Deleon. “So evening courses open up our classes to more people.”

Enrollment for the June 2017 cohort opens in March. Registration is open up to the first day of class on June 5. There are no eligibility requirements to enroll.

Deleon said class tuition and books are generally sponsored by an employer, Motivation Education and Training, Inc., or through a Workforce Solutions grant.

For more information on the NCCER course and tuition sponsors call TSTC Continuing Education at 956-364-4567.