Apprenticeship Programs Can’t Do It Alone

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3 observations about workforce development in America By Tim Taylor The National Center for Construction Education & Research congratulates all apprentices training in the United States to become construction craft professionals. However, as the construction workforce ages, the industry is at a critical crossroads. [See Chart Workforce Attrition, Source: Construction Labor Market Analyzer, 2022.] The following are three observations, as well as recommended changes going forward. 1. Journeyman = bachelor’s degree It takes about the same amount of time for apprentices in the construction trades to reach journeyman level as it does for a college student to earn a bachelor’s … Read more

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Overcoming Skills Gap Focus of NCCER’s Construction Career Pathways Conference  

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The National Center for Construction Education and Research will host its Construction Career Pathways Conference Nov. 30. This conference is a one-day event held as a prelude to the Association for Career and Technical Education’s CareerTech VISION 2022 Conference.   This year’s Construction Career Pathways Conference will cover important topics, including best practices for establishing education and industry partnerships, incorporating technology into construction education and success stories from up-and-coming young craft professionals. Networking and team activities will take place throughout the day between presentations.   Held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the event will take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at … Read more

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Most Construction Craft Professionals Like Their Jobs

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By Tim Taylor, P.E., Ph.D. Construction workers report higher levels of job satisfaction than all other industries combined — not just today, but through four distinct economic cycles since 1974. The data comes from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. As little as 86% and up to 89% of people working in the construction trades like their jobs. That’s exciting news to share as we celebrate Careers in Construction Month this October. One reason for that may be the combination of pay and flexibility that this career path offers. While just over 9% of craft professionals … Read more

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NCCER Launches ‘The Builders’ Table’ Podcast

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The National Center for Construction Education and Research announced its first podcast, The Builders’ Table, is available for download. This podcast features construction industry leaders and professionals to educate, empower and engage listeners on the importance of the industry. The podcast addresses the need to inspire the next generation of craft professionals through in-depth conversations and develop solutions that will move the industry forward. The podcast is hosted by Jennifer Wilkerson, NCCER’s vice president of innovation and advancement. As a former high school teacher and part owner in a welding company, Wilkerson has a passion for education and construction that … Read more

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NCCER Releases Revised Welding Curriculum 

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The sixth edition of the National Center for Construction Education and Research’s Welding Level One curriculum is available for purchase. The updated content includes the latest in safety information, including standard welding procedure specification examples from the American Welding Society. The content also reflects technological changes to the craft, modern approaches and best practices. In addition, the trainee guide has a modernized page design that presents information concisely with improved readability to help all learners. With this latest revision, the center has also updated the online learning options available through the NCCERconnect platform. Instructors and students can use NCCERconnect for … Read more

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