Construction Trades

The construction industry as a whole is lacking trained professionals. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook is excellent. There is an expected job growth of 10% through 2024. The earning potential for a trained professional in any of specialty trades related to construction, both commercial and residential, averages $20 per hour nationally. There is a need in all specialty trades including carpentry; welding; masonry; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Students can pick up a scholarship application in the Construction Trades Office. For more information about scholarships, call 620-223-2700.

In 2012, the Kansas Legislature passed HB155, establishing the Excel in CTE initiative. This program aims to increase access to high-wage, high-demand careers by funding industry-recognized credentials and allowing high school students to take part in Career Technical Education (CTE) dual enrollment opportunities. Since its launch, the initiative has led to significant growth in the number of secondary students earning industry-recognized credentials and CTE college credits. The list of approved programs and credentials is determined by the State of Kansas and may change annually. There are a number of classes that are paid for completely by this initiative, however not all classes and tests are funded. These are updated yearly by the State of Kansas. For more info, go to Kansas Board of Regents: Excel in CTE webpage. For a complete list of qualified course Fort Scott Community College offers, go here.

*Additional costs not covered under Excel in CTE funding for Kansas concurrent high school Construction Technology students:

• $60 OSHA 10 Certification cost not covered under Excel in CTE
• $50 Graduation fee

Kansas DegreeStats is interactive online tool that reviews cost and earnings data from real graduates for each undergraduate degree program offered at a public college or university in Kansas.