Pearl River Community College will soon be offering two hands-on courses offering certification for those wanting to transition into a different field.

PRCC Workforce Training Project Manager Cheryl Frierson said the college will be offering two courses, welding and structural fitting, in August for those wanting to move into a different line of work.

She said these courses have been put into place with the knowledge that not everyone wants to go down the typical college route. Frierson said not everyone wants to, or can attend traditional classes to pursue a two or four year degree. For some, getting a certificate is the best course of action, because it is relatively cheap, short and has a high likelihood of job placement after the course has finished.

“These courses are good for anyone looking for a different career -those who are looking to get a certificate and get to work,” Frierson said.

She said while the college does not promise a job to all of the finishing students, she said large corporations will often come in and speak to students about job opportunities and offer them positions once they are certified. Plus, Frierson said course instructors typically try to stay informed on job opportunities so they can inform students if a position arises.

While welding is a regular program and has been in place for years, Frierson said the college regularly changes its other workforce training courses to provide the opportunity for students to study a course that is in high-demand. For instance, while they have offered pipefitting in the past, Frierson said those with structural fitting certificates are currently being sought after, so in the coming months that course will be offered instead.

Frierson said the structural fitting course will begin on August 1 and will run until Sept. 27. The fee for the course is $100 and those who finish will receive an NCCER certification. She said this course runs throughout the day, and will be Monday through Thursday from 7a.m. to 5 p.m. There are a total of 10 slots available.

The welding course on the other hand is a night course, and is particularly good for those who are working day jobs but want to find another career to move into. She said this course will be $250 and will run from August 13 to Nov. 14. There are 12 slots available for welding. Since it is a night course, it will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Those who finish the welding course will receive an AWS certificate.

Frierson said there is not a deadline to apply for either course. Rather, admission is on a first-come first-serve basis. The first who apply, pay the fees and pass the necessary screenings will be admitted into the course, she said. For more information, call 601-403-1241 or call Cheryl Frierson at 601-403-1113.