Fred Mason, Masonry Instructor at Southeastern Community College (SCC) and Columbus Career & College Academy (CCCA) received a signed proclamation from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on September 29, 2022.

“Career in Construction Month (CICM) is a nationwide campaign held each October to increase public awareness of construction careers, inspire the next generation of craft professionals and make an impact on the perceptions of a career in construction” according to Build Your Future, an organization powered by NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research).

Mason submitted the proclamation in early 2022 for the state of North Carolina and shortly after received the signed proclamation from Governor Roy Cooper deeming October as Career in Construction Month for the whole state. The proclamation has been submitted the past two years for North Carolina, but was never approved. This is the first time since 2019 that the proclamation was deemed official by North Carolina.

When asked the significance of this proclamation Mason replied “We want to bring awareness to careers in construction trades. It is one of the highest growing industries in Columbus County and we, at SCC (Southeastern Community College) are committed to growing the next workforce.”

SCC has increased its construction trades enrollment this year with the help of new courses such as the Construction Academy and Construction Summer Camps for high school students. The Construction Academy allowed students to build a tiny house from start to finish. Students in this course learned hands-on skills in construction trades such as air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry.

The tiny house is now up for auction for anyone interested in placing a bid please visit.

SCC will be holding another Construction Academy in the Spring semester. For more information about the Construction Academy, call SCC at (910) 788-6397.

Enrollment for the Spring semester at SCC opens Oct. 31, 2022.

Classes start on January 9th. Students can enroll with Valerie Register at (910) 788-6397.