Prepare to make a difference through Trades at FBBC
Put your faith to work and receive practical training in the trades in a Bible college setting you can trust.
The Applied Trades program at FBBC is uniquely designed to prepare you for whatever God has next, including working in a trade, a camp setting, bivocational ministry, and more!
Join the program and get equipped with hands-on training, workshops, and practical experience, all while learning to live for Christ in your chosen field.
Why Trades @ Faith?
Learn From Experts
Put your Faith to work with foundational training in plumbing, framing, electrical, and other trades from experts with years of successful experience.
Enjoy Vibrant Campus Life
Enjoy all that a growing Bible college has to offer, including student activities, leadership opportunities, athletics, concerts and more!
Build a Biblical Foundation
Don’t just learn the trades—learn how to live out Christian values and biblical truths as you work and lead at your job site.
Find Clear Career Pathways
Find clear career pathways for wherever God leads, whether that’s on a job site, at a camp, or as a bivocational church planter or missionary.
Scholarships
Faith offers affordable tuition rates that resulted in 72% of our last class graduating debt-free!
Meet Your Professor
Paul Pestel brings over 25 years of construction and facilities management experience to Faith as chair of the Applied Trades program.
A Faith alumnus with a B.S. in Engineering from Iowa State University, he combines technical expertise and large-scale project leadership to prepare students for excellence in the skilled trades through Christ-centered instruction.
His background spans multimillion-dollar project management, municipal facility leadership, and major public and historical renovation projects. He is passionate about equipping students not just to work well but also to serve well in their churches and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Faith’s trades program unique?
While almost all other trades programs offer instruction on how to work in the trades and perform basic functions at a jobsite, the Applied Trades Program also equips our students in how to LEAD a jobsite by providing training in:
- Interpreting and applying blueprint information.
- Receiving training on how to make bids.
- Taking optional classes in our organizational leadership program.
What trades programs are offered?
The Applied Trades Program provides foundational instruction in the areas of electrical, plumbing, and framing, as well as in several other sought-after trades.
You will also learn how each of the trades interacts with each other at every step of the construction process, allowing you to have a holistic view of the entire jobsite.
How long do the trade programs take to complete?
Our program is designed to be completed in one to two years, giving you the skills you need to enter the workforce quickly. Additionally, our two-year graduates will have an Associate of Applied Trades degree and can transfer directly into more of Faith’s four-year programs!
Will this degree put me on the path towards being a journeyman or apprentice in my chosen field?
Yes. After completing one or two years at FBBC, you may choose to pursue that path in your chosen trade. A key strength of the program is that it allows you to explore several trades, build foundational skills, and confirm your interests before committing to a specific career pathway.
What Bible classes will I take?
At Faith, every student builds a strong spiritual foundation through core Bible and theology courses. The Trades program reflects that same commitment, requiring at least 18 credit hours of Bible and evangelism coursework, including Introduction to Bible Study, New Testament Survey, Old Testament Prophets, and Christian Experience.
Will I live on campus or commute?
This program requires students to live on campus (students who live locally, however, are allowed to live at home). All on-campus students enjoy full access to Faith’s campus life, including dorms, chapel, dining, athletics, and more. Due to the hands-on nature of this program, it is not offered online.
What are the admission requirements?
We require a high school diploma or GED, and welcome applications from anyone.
