In response to the growing demand for skilled trades professionals, Mechanical Skills Plumbing Apprentice School is set to build a new, state-of-the-art facility in Beech Grove. With plumbing apprenticeship enrollment reaching record levels statewide, the move comes as part of the school’s ongoing expansion to accommodate its rapidly increasing number of students.

Over the last decade, enrollment at Mechanical Skills has more than doubled, underscoring the need for skilled workers in the plumbing industry. The expansion of apprenticeship training across Indiana has further fueled this growth, and it is expected that the demand will continue to rise.

Mechanical Skills, who is affiliated with the Indiana Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, has operated out of its current facility since 1991. However, with enrollment growth outpacing the capacity of the existing space, the school’s Board of Directors and staff identified a four-acre plot in Beech Grove as the perfect location for a new campus. In December 2024, Mechanical Skills purchased the land, which was previously the site of grocery stores and was cleared several years ago in preparation for new business development.

Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman expressed support for the development: “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.”

On Feb. 3, the Beech Grove Common Council approved the rezoning of the property, paving the way for the project to move forward.

Bill Ciriello, program manager for Mechanical Skills, highlighted the increasing demand for skilled tradesmen, particularly in plumbing, which is projected to grow by 6% by 2033 — outpacing many other trades. “There is a tremendous need for skilled tradesmen, and our goal is to provide students with the best training possible to meet that demand,” Ciriello said.

Justin Dorsey, a board member for Mechanical Skills, echoed this sentiment after the council meeting.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done before we can break ground, but with the council’s approval, we can now move full speed ahead on building a new, state-of-the-art facility for our students,” he said.

Architectural plans are currently being finalized, with construction expected to begin later this year. The new facility will more than double the size of the current building and will feature an outdoor training space designed to give students practical, real-life experience.

Mechanical Skills is excited for the future as it prepares to expand its reach and provide even more opportunities for students pursuing careers in the plumbing industry.