WPCC Construction Trades

Words from a local stilled trade professional. Something to really think about when having trades work done.

“One of the most misunderstood aspects of the skilled trades is that people often see the invoice, but rarely see what it took to earn it.

Behind every service call is years of experience spent learning a craft, refining techniques, earning licenses and certifications, carrying insurance, investing in equipment, and continually improving efficiency. Trade professionals work hard to keep their pricing fair and competitive while delivering quality workmanship and reliable service. Yet when a price is presented, many people only see the final number, not the investment required to provide the work.

Early in my career, someone told me, “It’s not always about the price. It’s about providing great customer service and becoming their trusted professional.” There is a great deal of truth in that. Relationships matter. Trust matters. Reputation matters. However, the reality remains that operating a successful trades business is challenging.

The physical work is demanding, but often the business side is even more difficult. Countless hours are spent managing accounts, tracking payments, evaluating collections, navigating tax obligations, maintaining vehicles, replacing worn-out equipment, covering payroll, paying insurance premiums, and ensuring the business remains sustainable. The truck parked in a customer’s driveway is often carrying thousands of dollars in tools and equipment, all of which require ongoing maintenance and replacement.

Too often, there is an expectation that businesses should operate on razor-thin margins. What many people do not see are the overhead costs, financial risks, long hours, and personal sacrifices that occur behind the scenes. While customers understandably focus on the service provided that day, contractors are constantly balancing the responsibility of serving clients, supporting employees, maintaining equipment, and providing for their own families.

The next time a plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, carpenter, or contractor sends an invoice after working in your crawl space, attic, mechanical room, or job site, remember that you are paying for far more than the task completed that day. You are paying for experience, training, licensing, insurance, specialized equipment, accountability, and the willingness to perform work that many people are unable or unwilling to do themselves.

Quality trades work is not expensive. It simply costs what it takes to do the job correctly.”
~David B.

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Western Piedmont Community College Launches Basic Floor Covering Installation Program to Build Skilled Workforce in North Carolina - Western Piedmont Community College Western Piedmont Community College Launches Basic Floor Covering Installation Program to Build Skilled Workforce in North Carolina Recent News WPCC President’s and Dean’s List – Spring Semester 2026 Western Piedmont Community College Launches Basic Floor Covering Installation Program to Build ...

Another great graduation has come and gone. And leave it up to the WPCC deconstruction students to knock down the backdrop. 6 great students from the Building Construction Technology program have completed their A.A.S. degree and are ready to enter the construction workforce. Mr. Hill, Mr Green and Mr. Hurley (retired) were on hand to celebrate.

Julian Almanza-Figueroa (High Honors)
Jorge Antonio Ambrosia
Michael Francis Cali (Honors)
William Harbison Jr.
Courtney Laine McCall (Honors)
Sayda Yohana Morales Macario

It has been the ultimate pleasure teaching these students and we wish them all the best for a successful future.

Zach and Josh show off their first ever brick and block laying skills.

Western Piedmont Community College is launching its first-ever Flooring program! This 150-hour course combines hands-on instruction in hardwood and resilient flooring, giving students the foundation they need to succeed in today’s flooring industry.

Classes run May 18 through September 14, 2026, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00–9:00 PM at the Regional Skilled Trades Solution Center on WPCC’s main campus in Morganton, NC. It’s a flexible schedule designed for those balancing work and training while investing in their future.

For enrollment details, contact Terry Adams at [email protected] or 828-448-6707.

Make history today by starting your flooring career with the first school to run the program in NC!

Eric Hurley, retired construction trades instructor at Western Piedmont Community College, is an alumnus of the college and describes his educational experience as “life changing.”

He recalled how his English teacher, Paul Wardzinski, recognized that he was struggling to read and worked with him after class to improve his reading skills.

“I (give) thanks every day that Paul took the time to give me the chance to excel,” Eric said.

He graduated from WPCC in 1993 with a degree in light construction and was immediately hired by the college to teach drafting. He ended up teaching construction skills for more than 30 years, preparing the next generation of skilled trades workers in our area.

In his retirement message, Eric recalled his enjoyment in leading teams of students to build now familiar sights on campus, such as the welcome marquee sign, the picnic shelter at the pond and the reception area in front of Leviton Auditorium. He also took his students on construction service projects to DuPont State Recreational Forest, Tuttle Educational State Forest and Lake James State Park.

“Because of WPCC, I found a career in teaching construction and am now a leader in the construction industry as an instructor and consultant,” Eric said. “It’s been a wonderful journey. I’ve had some wonderful colleagues and met a lot of great people along the way.”