Plans to add a 16-hour program where students can earn a plumbing certificate will be discussed at the Barton Community College Board of Trustees study session, set for 4 p.m. Tuesday in Room F-30 of the Fine Arts Building.

The plumbing certificate program was originally approved to serve Barton’s correctional partner, Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility (LCMHF); however, with the change in the Kansas Department of Corrections provider contract, the college would like to shift this program to the Barton County campus. Mary Foley, executive director of Workforce Training & Economic Development, will present the details.

According to O*Net, the state of Kansas will see a 6% growth in the plumbing industry. There are a projected 620 annual job openings, and annual wages averaging $55,090.

The college has ample space to support the program with the closure of its automotive program.

According to information provided to the board, the College would like to maintain the approval to offer the program at LCMHF with the hope it could support programming at both the correctional facility and the Barton County campus in the future.

Other topics for Tuesday’s study session are the July financial statement, the college mission statement and a Higher Learning Commission report.