By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham Library is gearing up to host another career training opportunities information session from the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama on Aug. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CEFA President Byron McCain will once again present the many opportunities for skilled labor training offered by CEFA and the employment and career possibilities opened up by such training.

Pelham Library Director Barbara Roberts said the Aug. 18 presentation will focus on a new set of courses at CEFA, while also offering information about the current job market.

“For every four skilled workers leaving the work force, there is only one person ready to take their place,” Roberts said, noting the “abundance” of job opportunities available to skilled laborers.

Pelham Public Library Adult Services Coordinator David Smith said he suspects McCain will place “an emphasis on scholarship opportunities” available for veterans and high school seniors.

During the previous July 29 session, McCain announced a new scholarship opportunity for veterans and high school seniors allowing them to receive training in plumbing, pipefitting or iron working for $250.

“We’ve had several people say they liked the information, and found the information very useful,” Smith said. “People came away with a greater understanding of the current job market, they ad an actual starting point (for a career), which enabled a lot of people to take their first steps.”

The July 29 and upcoming Aug. 18 CEFA information sessions are sponsored by the Pelham Public Library’s Smart Investing @ Your Library Grant from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association.

“The (point of) the Smart Investing @ Your Library Grant is to bring financial literacy materials and programs to the public that are non bias and free of charge,” Roberts explained. “The way this (CEFA presentation) relates (to the grant) is by informing young people, and possibly parents, about alternatives to a traditional college education, cost savings to a traditional four year education and saving money to pay for the cost of this training.”

The Aug. 18 program is targeting anyone from 16 through 25-years-old, Roberts said, but anyone interested is welcome to attend.

“The last one had 54 people total, it was a wonderful success,” Smith said of the July 29 program.

Anyone interested in attending the Aug. 18 CEFA presentation is encouraged to reserve a seat by calling the Pelham Public Library at 620-6418.