Alumni in Action: Noel Beauchamp

Alumni in Action: Noel Beauchamp

Noel Beauchamp is a family man who felt a calling for a more fulfilling career and enrolled in CCA. In this installment of Alumni in Action, Noel describes his experience with BuildStrong Academy, CCA, and the journey from his first academic steps being a Project Manager at Elevation Basements. Learn more about CCA’s program offerings at https://ccaurora.edu Learn more about Elevation Basements at https://elevationbasements.com

Video by Dept. of Strategic Communications

The college-to-career path doesn’t always run directly through four-year universities. While there are countless success stories that come from those schools, others find what they need in programs at community colleges.

For a busy husband and father like Noel Beauchamp, the Community College of Aurora (CCA) provided all the training he needed to supercharge his career in the construction industry.

Beauchamp, a Project Manager for Elevation Basements, earned two credentials at CCA – a Construction Superintendent Certificate and a Construction Estimating Certificate.

Although he started a career in Marketing, he took some time to reevaluate his career choice, and found a home in the construction industry. That’s where CCA came into play for him, 

“I was really hoping to get a lot of relevant real-world knowledge during my time at CCA,” he says.

“I was shifting gears, so anything that I could do to work in conjunction with my real-world experience to help me be more valuable to new companies in this new career field so that it was attainable. So that’s what I decided to do.” 

Before earning his certificates, he enrolled in the BuildStrong Academy, a program designed to give motivated students hands-on experience in the construction industry. The program’s Construction Bootcamp provided the training, mentorship, and flexibility to learn new skills and pave the way for his next step, all while allowing him time to continue his most important job—being a dad.

“The classes were great for me because I was working during the day and going to school at night. I have kids, and so that was really convenient for my schedule that I was able to go to school, work, be a husband and a dad, and still work towards something that is making me much happier.”

BuildStrong’s practical approach to hands-on learning is what sets the program apart as an amazing tool to gain real-world knowledge of the industry. Instead of spending time learning only theory, Beauchamp says he was able to get his hands on tools, learn about safety equipment, and apply it that same day.

“So that was really important to me, to take that time for the classroom and in person to help solidify that knowledge and growth in me.”

After completing his coursework, his growth at his current employer was quick. Beauchamp started at Elevation Basements less than two years ago and quickly rose through the ranks from Service Technician to Assistant Manager to Project Manager.

He is now tasked with overseeing major projects, ensuring the process runs smoothly, and managing field members.

Everyone’s journey to taking that first step toward a better career fit starts differently. For Beauchamp, it started by looking at his family and realizing he wanted to be in a field that made him happy at the end of the day.

“I’m much happier now that I have a career that’s more fulfilling. I’m able to go to work, have a job that I love, work on projects that I’m proud of, and then come home and still have enough energy to keep up with two small children, be present for my wife, and run a home.”

With his career in place, he encourages others to take that first step and, as a proud alumnus, says CCA is the best place to do it.

CCA’s convenient location, lower cost, and broad range of programs taught by well-qualified instructors make it Aurora’s premiere destination for earning a high-quality education.

“CCA provided me with some options that I didn’t really know that I had. There’s a lot of options to grow and learn, and sometimes all it takes is taking that first class.”

You never know what you can accomplish at CCA until you take that first step. CCA offers 47 associate degrees and 25 certificates. Whether your goal is to unlock more earning potential or transfer to a four-year university, CCA has plenty of options to get you on the right track.

Visit https://ccaurora.edu/ today to start your own success story.