By DAWN BONE / Community Columnist

The Alabama Home Builders Foundation is once again partnering with Shelby County Schools Community Education and Career Technical Education to offer a free basic residential carpentry course to adults. The course will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from Sept. 26-Nov. 16 at the Career Technical Educational Center in Columbiana.

The class, taught by CTEC (Career Technical Educational Center) carpentry teacher Van White, will cover the basics of residential carpentry such as safety instruction, construction layout and reading blueprints, framing, window and door installation, and siding and exterior trim.

“The value of the carpentry classes is vital to our industry and to those seeking jobs in the home building field,” Alabama Home Builders Foundation president Taylor Burton said. “College is not an option for everyone. These classes provide an extremely useful skill at no charge. Most college graduates need training after employment, but with this class you receive training prior to job placement. I have seen several people of different ages and skill levels, from these classes, go on to successful careers in our industry. If you have any interest in the home building field, this class is a great pathway to your first job.”

For details about the program and to register, contact Artemis Moore at 1-800-745-4222 or email artemismoore@hbaa.org. All who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion from the Home Builders Association of Alabama.