First students complete PRCC pipefitting class | Schools

The following is a press release from Pearl River Community College:

Five students completed the pilot pipefitting class at Pearl River Community College this summer, preparing them for entry-level jobs in a number of industries.

In addition to the skills, they earned an industry-recognized Certificate in Pipefitting and Application for NCCER Certification in the following topics: core curriculum, introductory craft skills, Level 1, Level 2 and 10 hours OSHA, said instructor Joel Dickens.

“There’s a lot of opportunity,” said student Dale Beach of Poplarville.

Student Eric Magee is a graduate of PRCC’s welding program and took the course to add to his skills.

“It’s a great opportunity for work,” he said. “It’s a field that’s wide open and it’s a lost art. The class was suggested by Ingalls (Shipbuilding) - they need pipefitters.”

The 240-hour pilot course met for six weeks. An evening course will begin Aug. 6 and end Nov. 10.

The students built several items during the course, including an enclosure that could be used around an in-ground drain.

“That’s structural pipefitting,” Dickens said. “I teach them how to lay out all the special standards and things.”

The fall semester pipefitting class will meet from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 6 through Nov. 10. Cost is $475 and tuition assistance is available.

The course is offered by the PRCC Department of Workforce Education. Call 601-403-1241 for more details and/or an application for the class.

Contact the nearest WIN Job Center to ask about WIA (Workforce Investment Act) funding. For more information on assistance, contact Rebekah Nelson at 601-554-4663 or rnelson@prcc.edu.