Last Updated 5 days by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page
Beech Grove welcomes new plumbing apprentice school
BEECH GROVE, Ind. (WISH) — A new plumbing apprenticeship school will transform a long-vacant site into a hub for skilled trades.
The site previously occupied by grocery stores will become a plumbing apprenticeship school by Mechanical Skills, Inc., offering a four-year training program that meets state and federal standards.
“The city of Beech Grove is a landlocked community. We only have 4.5-square-miles and don’t have room to grow. So, when entities like Mechanical Skills want to call Beech Grove home, I think it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved,” Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman said.
Mayor James Coffman expressed gratitude for the common council’s decision on Monday to rezone the land for the training program. He highlighted its potential to rejuvenate a key corridor that’s been abandoned for too long.
“It’s a win-win for the residential area, a win for other businesses around this area, and it’s also going to spur more development throughout the city. There are several areas on this side of the town just crying for development, and this will spur the work that way,” Hoffman said.
The Indiana Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association oversees the current program. Along with the new facility – which will be the largest in Indiana – Mechanical Skills plans to hire 21 full and part-time staff. Once they start to welcome students to the new facility, they’ll aim to enhance Beech Grove’s economic landscape.
“There’s a tremendous need for skilled tradesmen. The skill trade of plumbing is expected to grow by 6% by 2033, outpacing most other skill trades far and away,” Mechanic Skills program manager Bill Ciriello said.
Students ranging from recent high school grads to those looking for new careers attend the school. The new building in Beech Grove will give more space for both in-class and hands-on teaching.
“Those who graduate come away with wonderful careers and an opportunity to make a good living with no college debt at all,” Ciriello said.
A nearby business owner is excited about the revitalization and increased foot traffic the new plumbing apprenticeship school will bring.
“It’s the next generation, right? Hopefully they are coming here to go to school, graduate, start a family, and stay in Beech Grove. It’s a wonderful community and we’re very excited about it,” The Tea Room of Rustic Root owner Tammy Hanna said.

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