If you’re a Riverside Brookfield High School senior and have any interest in becoming a plumber, you are probably now eligible to take a new, short-term, after-school training course sponsored by Local 130 of Plumbers Union.
It could also help you get extra points on the exam required for entry into the Plumbers Union apprenticeship program.
The program is part of an effort, spearheaded by RBHS school board member Bill Durkin, to create more opportunities for RBHS students in the skilled trades, and fits the increasing emphasis on creating more career paths for high school students.
“We’re trying to do career pathways for all students,” said RBHS District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis.
RBHS has hosted a trades-orientated career fair for the past two years.
The Plumbers training pilot program class will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Oct. 2 to Dec. 15. It will be free of charge.
Students will take three classes: introduction to tools, safety, and trade-related math. Students who complete the course with a score of 80 % or higher will earn five extra points on the plumber’ apprenticeship program entrance exam.
Students are eligible for the pilot program if they are seniors and have a grade point average of C or higher.
Students from two other suburban high schools, Leyden and Ridgewood, along with Chicago Public High School, students are eligible for the program. Students must sign up by Sept. 22.
Durkin said the program is a pilot program that he hopes to replicate with other trade unions.
“We’re hoping this is a success because we would like to mimic something like this in other areas,” Durkin said.
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