WPCC Construction Trades

SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT

The Building Construction Technology Scholarship was created by Friends of DuPont Forest to provide financial support to students earning an Associate in Applied Science in Building Construction Technology at Western Piedmont Community College.

DuPont State Recreational Forest is a 10,300-acre protected state forest in western North Carolina preserved through a landmark public-private conservation effort, and is home to some of the state's most iconic waterfalls, according to dupontforest.com.

WPCC enjoyed a special 30-year partnership with DuPont SRF, thanks to the efforts of Eric Hurley, adjunct instructor for the building construction technology program at the college and former program coordinator (pictured).

Eric had worked as a supervisor for the North Carolina BRIDGE (Building, Rehabilitating, Instructing, Developing, Growing, Employing) program for four years, leading the program’s participants to complete building service projects at DuPont SRF. When he began working as an instructor at WPCC, he set up a similar service project initiative for the students in the college’s building construction technology program.

The students took trips to DuPont SRF from 1989 to 2019 to complete needed improvements there. They renovated an old cabin to serve as the forest’s visitors’ center, built a bridge to provide easier access to Triple Falls and High Falls, constructed a picnic shelter and several kiosks, created parking lots and rebuilt the dock and gazebo on one of the lakes there.

“They absolutely loved it,” Eric said. “We would go up on Friday, work the afternoon, and then have lunch provided by Friends of DuPont. (We would) work all day Saturday, have supper with Friends of DuPont again, work Sunday as much as we could, then pack up in order to get back home by 5 p.m.”

In 2014, representatives of Friends of DuPont Forest showed appreciation for all the love and care the BCT students put into their service projects by setting up the Building Construction Technology Scholarship.

Kim was a wonderful student and a great person. Not only do you earn knowledge and possibly a degree you earn close friends.

WPCC has helped students gain skills, earn degrees, and move forward with purpose. Expand the possibilities of what’s ahead.

https://shorturl.at/tSMQH

Look to your future. Learn how to install flooring.

Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC), in partnership with the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), is proud to promote the launch of its Basic Floor Covering Installation Program, a hands-on training opportunity designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in the floor covering industry. As one of the first colleges in North Carolina to offer this program, WPCC is helping address workforce needs while opening pathways to rewarding skilled trades careers.

Learn more and register at: https://www.wpcc.edu/western-piedmont-community-college-launches-basic-floor-covering-installation-program-to-build-skilled-workforce-in-north-carolina/

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.