01 Oct
“It was tough when I got out [of the military] and I was looking for a job—although I had experience, I didn’t have the licenses to continue working in the private sector in aircrafts so it was tough trying to find jobs with no certifications,” says NLC student Perry Penny, who had been a structural air craft mechanic in the Navy.
At first Perry took low-paying jobs as a laborer just to get by. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before his cousin told him about the Helmets to Hardhats program. Perry now lives in Rockledge, FL, and is an installer with the Elevator Constructors Local Union 139.
“I was blessed when the Helmets to Hardhats program opened up to me. It was like night and day—really helped me out a lot,” he says.
From Helmets to Hardhats to Heading Back to School
Many men and women in the construction trades have dreams of completing their degrees. Some decide to move out of the field and into an office after many years of perfecting their craft because of the physical toll of this type of work—and others just want to be a good example for their children.
Whatever the reason, National Labor College (NLC) provides an easy transition back into the (virtual) classroom.
When I saw how few credits I needed to finish compared with other colleges, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
Professors and staff recognize that students are working adults. With no set classes to attend, NLC’s online approach allows students to balance their course loads, work schedules, communities and family commitments.
Tuition Discounts, Credit for Prior Learning
At NLC union members and apprentices are qualified for a discounted tuition rate and can use their earned Post 9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill. NLC is less expensive than the average academic institution and students can apply for scholarships and financial aid.
Students can transfer up to 84 credits towards a degree program. Credits can come from a combination of coursework done at other colleges and universities or through apprenticeships, military and other training.
Through the Prior Learning Assessment program, students can earn up to 30 credits for learning outside the classroom.
“I chose NLC because they made it really easy for me to finish. When I saw how few credits I needed to finish compared with other colleges, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel,” says Perry Penny, who is working towards his Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management at NLC.
Gold Standard of Accreditation
The NLC is the only regionally accredited higher education institution committed to educating union members and their families, union leaders and staff. Regional accreditation is nationally recognized as the gold standard of accreditation. This allows students to access federal student aid, transfer credits easily and move on to graduate programs at top schools.
Learn more at www.NLC.edu/Start.