By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—On July 29, the Pelham Public Library will host an informational session about the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama’s Career Training Opportunity Program from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CEFA offers a skilled trade apprenticeship program, which allows students to receive training two nights a week.

“At the end of six months, they will assist you to find a position,” Pelham Public Library Director Barbara Roberts said. “In two year time or less, you complete the program and you’re no longer an apprentice.”

There are many employment opportunities in skilled trades, Roberts noting the “average age (of skilled tradesmen) is 45 to 55 years old.”

“Large numbers of skilled tradesmen are retiring… and there are not enough young people taking their places,” Roberts said.

As part of a series of financial education programs for families and students funded by the Smart Investing @ Your Library grant from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association, the July 29 program seeks to offer unbiased information about an “alternative” to college “for parents and students to consider,” Roberts explained.

“We’re not telling parents they shouldn’t sent their children to college, this is simply an alternative,” Roberts said.

The July 29 session will provide information about the CEFA Career Training Program, financial aid and scholarship opportunities and next steps to signing up. For more information and to reserve a seat, call the Pelham Public Library at 620-6418.