The OPCMIA International Training Fund (ITF) has launched an innovative partnership with Rowan University’s Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering to advance OPCMIA members’ educational and career opportunities by gaining the skills to lead and manage projects in the construction industry.
Under the partnership, OPCMIA members and apprentices have access to courses to earn a bachelor’s degree or other advanced certificates at a tuition savings of more than 45% with apprenticeship credits and the OPCMIA partner rate. The available courses are flexible, affordable, and fully online.
“We are proud to partner with this great university to empower our members and apprentices to advance their education, gain new skills, and open new doors to career advancement,” said OPCMIA ITF Executive Director Tony Longbrake. “Our mission is to keep every one of our apprentices and journeypersons at the top of their game at all stages of their careers, and our partnership with Rowan University is a powerful new tool in our toolbox.”
Union plasterers, cement masons and shophands can participate in the following programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management. This online construction management program is designed for apprentices, journeypersons, and experienced construction professionals interested in combining construction trade experience with leadership development to gain a 360-degree industry perspective.
- Stackable Construction Management Certificates. Three certificates are offered to students: Construction Management, Construction Project Management, and Construction Leadership. Each certificate can be awarded individually or together, they comprise the core bachelor’s requirements in construction management.
- Master of Engineering Management. This degree is designed to equip engineers with management and leadership skills through deep instruction in business concepts, such as organizational behavior, while growing technical acumen in areas such as Six Sigma techniques.
These fully online and flexible academic programs offer accessibility from anywhere and the ability to learn at one’s own pace.
“I chose Rowan University’s construction management program because of the ties it had with the finishers union and how the classes were all online,” said David James, an OPCMIA Member and TradesFutures scholarship recipient. “The degree from Rowan has helped me be where I am today. I have worked my way from a cement finisher in the field, to a superintendent role, and now I am currently in the office pursuing a project management role. With a college education, I was able to move into the office side, while having knowledge from classes from estimating to people skills I use today.”
OPMCIA members interested in learning more about the opportunities available through this partnership should visit https://sites.rowan.edu/educational-partnerships/opcmia/.
