In construction, where the need for skilled craft professionals is constantly increasing, both employers and educators need to know trainees and students are being trained to the standards of the industry. Through NCCER’s unique process of curriculum development, contractors and schools can be sure they are arming the next generation of craft professionals with the knowledge they need to succeed in the industry.
In cooperation with publishing partner Pearson, NCCER develops and publishes world-class curricula created by subject matter experts (SMEs) representing contractors and schools from across the country. SMEs are construction, maintenance or pipeline professionals who have journey-level or technician-level experience. They are also expected to have experience teaching the trade to others and be available to participate in curriculum development meetings. The curriculum development process begins with the assembly of a team of volunteer SMEs who then collaborate to create appropriate content or review and revise the existing curriculum for each craft. To ensure content remains current with industry standards, the majority of NCCER craft curricula are revised on three- to five-year cycles.
While the content of NCCER curricula is designed to meet the industry’s standards, the format and structure are developed with teaching flexibility and customization in mind. As a result, NCCER curricula can be easily adapted to cost effectively meet the needs of any craft training program. Each NCCER textbook features competency-based modules with measurable objectives and end-of-module knowledge and performance tests. This modular format allows instructors to teach a single module, the entire craft level or even customize their own training programs by combining modules across various craft areas. All module completions are recorded in NCCER’s National Registry and credentials are awarded at level completions.
NCCER’s comprehensive library of craft curricula includes training for more than 60 craft areas and is used worldwide by contractors, associations, construction users, and secondary and post-secondary schools. Internationally, NCCER’s curricula and assessment programs have been deployed in more than 19 different countries by major multinational contractors. Due to the increased need for recognized training standards and global credentialing, NCCER curricula and assessments are being translated into multiple foreign languages and a globally recognized credentialing system has been implemented.
In addition, NCCER curricula are utilized in secondary or post-secondary schools in all 50 states. As legislators continue to embrace the value of career and technical education through flexible graduation requirements and increased funding, states are placing a premium on programs that — like NCCER — offer industry-recognized credentials. NCCER craft training also complies with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship requirements for time-based training.
Whether you’re a contractor, educator or association chapter, NCCER’s craft training offerings can put your trainees on the fast track to a successful career in the industry.
To find out more about NCCER training curricula, visit www.nccer.org or call (888) 622-3720.
