IRSC RANKED 3RD TOP COLLEGE IN STATE FOR TRADE CERTIFICATION

IRSC graduate Mario Abascal poses with a custom-built engine at Gearhead Fabrications, his independent fabrication shop in Stuart.

Over 600 Treasure Coast residents earned trade, technical or health care certifications from Indian River State College this school year propelling IRSC to the third top spot in the state in the Florida College System for the number of graduates earning certification. Certifications are nationally recognized credentials such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or Cisco computer certification that attest to an individual’s knowledge and skills.

The affordable hands-on training can be completed in a step-by-step manner to develop increasingly sophisticated skills, which students often combine with working in a related field or while preparing to launch a new career or open a business.

The automotive certificate program at IRSC gave Mario Abascal the knowledge and skills to launch his own business, Gearhead Fabrication in Stuart. The young entrepreneur works on super chargers and race cars. Geoff Paddock used his IRSC training in air conditioning as the springboard for Paddock Air Conditioning in Port St. Lucie, where he serves residential customers and property management companies.

Programs include industrial training in air conditioning, welding, automotive and manufacturing, computer science, public service and over 20 health care programs.

One of the newest programs is the Fast Track to Manufacturing, delivering customized training for manufacturing companies and seven-week boot camps for people seeking employment. Participants earn the Certified Production Technician (CPT) credential from the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council and can earn OSHA 10 workplace safety certification.

IRSC also offers apprenticeships, with no tuition cost, in plumbing, electrical, masonry, air conditioning and culinary. Academy-based certificate programs prepare the region’s law enforcement officers and fire fighters.

The College’s over 20 health care programs stand-out as the most prolific generator of certifications and supply a pipeline of employees for Treasure Coast hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, dentists and health care facilities.

For more information, visit www.irsc.edu or call 1-866-792-4772.