LAKE WORTH, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2025) — Palm Beach State College will be hosting an information session for its three new construction programs at the Lake Worth campus on Wednesday, August 27. The one-hour session begins at 5:30 p.m. in the ETD building, room 104.
Prospective students will learn about the Plumbing Career Certificate, Building Trades and Construction Design Career Certificate and Carpentry Career Certificate. The session will cover program highlights and provide details about registration.
These programs, created to address the region’s growing need for skilled workers, are made possible by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Strengthening Community College Training Grants (SCC4). They can be completed in just one year, allowing students to quickly enter the workforce and begin earning, making them ideal for recent high school graduates as well as those considering a career change.
“With hands-on training that opens doors to lasting careers, these programs are helping us build both student success and regional growth,” said Kimberly Lea, Palm Beach State College dean of workforce education and development.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earn a median annual wage of $62,970, with employment projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033—faster than the average for all occupations. Carpenters have a median annual wage of $59,310, with employment expected to grow 4 percent over the same period. Florida ranks third in the nation for carpenter employment, following California and New York. General maintenance and repair workers earn a median annual wage of $48,620, with projected job growth of 5 percent. This growth is driven by increased demand for new housing, commercial buildings and infrastructure to support a growing population.
To qualify for the programs, applicants must take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) exam or prove exemption, attend a mandatory information session and meet with the Trade and Industry advisor. Each cohort is limited to 20 students, and due to high demand, programs are controlled access. Programs will launch at the Lake Worth campus, with plans to expand to the Palm Beach Gardens campus.
SOURCE: www.pbsc.edu.
