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BRCC congratulates first graduates of new Level Up construction program

Graduates of Level Up: Core Construction and instructors, from left, are Cassandra Townsend, apprenticeship coordinator; Fernando Montano, graduate; Riley Crider, graduate; Jason Baxley, program instructor and coordinator; Agustin Cruz, graduate; Carson Borden, graduate; and Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president. Graduate Christy Burns is not pictured. [PHOTO BY BENJAMIN RICKERT]

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 19, 2025

Blue Ridge Community College on Wednesday celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of Level Up: Core Construction, a tuition-free accelerated workforce training program offered in partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Lowe’s.

The ceremony recognized five dedicated individuals who completed the program, which was designed to support Western North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene by preparing participants for immediate employment in the construction industry.

Graduates Carson Borden, Christy Burns, Riley Crider, Agustin Cruz and Fernando Montano were honored in a ceremony held at the College’s Technology Education and Development Center.

Program instructor and coordinator Jason Baxley praised the graduates during opening remarks.

“Today, we honor their hard work, dedication, and growth, as they’ve taken a transformative step toward thriving careers in the skilled trades industry,” he said.

Graduate Agustin Cruz shared a powerful student reflection, highlighting the transformative nature of the program. He credited the program with helping him obtain his current job by increasing his knowledge of tools and safety procedures.

“I was able to learn and apply this later in my job interview,” Cruz said. “To anyone trying to start in the construction industry, this is a very good way to go. I’m extremely grateful for everything Lowe’s and NCCER provided in this program.”

Closing remarks were delivered by Shanda Bedoian, director of corporate and customized training, and BRCC President Laura B. Leatherwood.

“We are deeply grateful to NCCER and Lowe’s for their partnership and commitment to our community’s recovery,” Leatherwood said. “These Level Up graduates have shown remarkable determination, and we’re proud to celebrate their success as they step into vital roles in the construction industry. Construction trades are critical to the resilience and rebuilding of Western North Carolina.”

After the ceremony, four graduates shared how the program helped advance their career training and goals. Carson Borden said the program gave him a lot of information and preparation for his goal of attending an apprenticeship program. Fernando Montano echoed the benefits of further knowledge and thanked the instructors for their wisdom.

Riley Crider said he’s now been working in construction for about three months.

“I heavily recommend this program to anyone who wants to start a career in construction,” Crider said. “The gift of the DeWalt tool kit will definitely help, to have tools like framing squares, lineman’s pliers, a 26-in-1 screwdriver, that will be really good to have.”

Following the success of this inaugural cohort, BRCC announced two additional tuition-free sessions of Level Up: Core Construction to meet the growing demand for skilled workers and to further support the region’s recovery efforts. Thanks to the continued partnership with NCCER and Lowe’s, these sessions will remain free to participants. The dates:

• Session 2: Mondays, June 30 – Sept. 8 (with no class on Sept. 1), and Tuesdays, July 29 – Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Session 3: Wednesdays, July 2 – Sept. 3, 2025, and Tuesdays, July 29 – Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Details for a fourth session will be announced later this year. These hands-on sessions will provide instruction in construction safety, blueprint reading, tool use, employability skills and more, providing a clear pathway to job readiness in the construction field. To learn more about the program or to apply for an upcoming session visit www.blueridge.edu/level-up or call 828-694-1735.