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Industry Solutions Β· Workforce Development

Building the Workforce
to Protect Communities

A 6-week intensive training program preparing workers for specialized careers in building elevation, foundation repair, and flood mitigation β€” combining hands-on technical training with general construction and safety skills.

Now Accepting Applications

Our Next Cohort Begins November 2, 2026

Six weeks of classroom and hands-on training. No prior experience required.

Program Dates

Nov 2 – Dec 11, 2026

Apply By

Oct 11, 2026

Location

SOWELA Technical Community College

Lake Charles, LA

For more information or to apply, contact cevans@floodmitigationindustry.org Email to Apply
About the Program

Comprehensive Training for a Growing Industry

The Community Resilience & Elevation Skills Training Program is a comprehensive 6-week intensive curriculum designed to prepare workers for in-demand careers in structural elevation, foundation repair, and flood mitigation.

Students receive wraparound services including career coaching, employment preparation, and ongoing support. Graduates arrive job-site ready with hands-on experience and nationally recognized certifications β€” an immediate asset to any employer in the flood mitigation industry.

Contact Us
Construction training program
6 Week Program
Featured by NOAA

NOAA's U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit profiled FMIA's training program as a model for building the flood mitigation workforce.

Read the Case Study →
Curriculum

What Students Learn

Specialized Technical Skills

  • Building elevation techniques and lifting processes
  • Unified hydraulic jack operation and maintenance
  • Steel beam handling and rigging
  • Cribbing techniques and applications
  • Heavy equipment operation
  • Job site safety protocols

Professional & Life Skills

  • Time management and leadership
  • Conflict resolution
  • Financial literacy and small business fundamentals
  • Career coaching and employment preparation
  • Communication and workplace professionalism
Credentials

Job-Ready Training & Safety Skills

Every graduate completes the program with multiple verified credentials β€” so employers can hire with confidence and workers can build lasting careers.

↓ Download Full Program Details
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National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core
🦺
OSHA 30-Hour
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Basic Life Support (American Heart Association)
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Skid Steer Loader Operator (United Rentals)
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Life Skills Development
For Employers

Why FMIA Graduates Are Different

01

Reduce Onboarding Time

Graduates arrive with foundational safety certifications and construction knowledge β€” ready to contribute from day one.

02

Fill Critical Skill Gaps

Specialized training in elevation and foundation work addresses growing industry demand and gives your team a competitive edge.

03

Verified Competency

Multiple certifications and practical assessments confirm each graduate's job-site readiness before they ever set foot on your project.

04

Professional Work Ethic

Life skills and communication training produce reliable, accountable team members who show up and follow through.

05

Long-Term Career Investment

Small business and leadership training creates motivated, growth-oriented individuals committed to advancing their careers.

Ready to hire FMIA-trained talent or partner with our program?

Contact Us Today

Join Us in Creating a Resilient Future

Download the full program overview to learn more about curriculum, certifications, and how to get involved β€” whether you're an employer, partner, or prospective student.