Program Overview:
The Construction Trades pathway programs are CTE programs based on the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards that leads to a national certification for those students who successfully complete Level I and/or Level II curriculum. The program prepares students for further education and careers in the construction industry, specifically in:
- Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Additional curriculum modules covering project management and project supervision as it relates to all areas of Construction Trades are offered as supplemental resources and support articulation to postsecondary Construction Management programs.
Schools offering any of the Construction Pathway Program options must complete the NCCER accreditation process and ensure students have access to certification through the NCCER National Registry. As part of the accreditation process, NCCER has developed the Instructor Certification Training Program (ICTP). This program ensures the uniform delivery of training. All teachers in the program receive training and are certified as instructor and to administer NCCER assessments.
The CTE Pathway Programs are supported by an industry sponsor as required by NCCER. The sponsor provides oversight to the program, specifically providing assurances for instructor certification, assessment administration, and on-going support and evaluation of program quality.
All pathway options start with the NCCER Core Curriculum for Construction. This provides a strong foundation for all students entering the career field. After the first credit/course, students must pass the National Construction Career Test (NCCT) for the Core and then proceed into a specific trade option. In support of the curriculum package, students in the program spend approximately 25% of their time in integrated hands-on experience working on construction projects at the school and on the work-site.
Students who successfully complete each level of the curriculum and related NNCT are certified through the NCCER National Registry. Craft Levels I and II meet the Apprenticeship Training requirements, as specified by the Employer and Labor Services (formerly Bureau of Apprenticeship Training) for classroom–related training. The NCCER ContrenTM Learning Series prepares students for entry into their selected career pathway and for further study and training through apprenticeship providers and through articulation agreements with community colleges.
Courses
Foundations of Building and Construction Technology (CORE)
Students will learn the basic elements to help them be successful in the building industry. These elements include but are limited to such topics as basic safety, introduction to construction math, introduction to hand and power tools, introduction to blueprints, basic rigging, and basic communication and employability skills.
HVACR II
Prerequisite: HVACR I
This course provides students the opportunity to advance their skills in HVACR including, but not limited to, air distribution systems, chimneys, vents and flues, maintenance skills for the service technician, alternating current, basic electronics, electric heating, and control circuit troubleshooting.
HVACR I
Prerequisite: Foundations of Building and Construction Technology(CORE)
This course provides students the opportunity to learn about the industry as it relates to residential and commercial building. Students master a variety of HVACR skills: trade mathematics, tools of the trade, copper and plastic piping practices, soldering and brazing, ferrous metal piping, basic electricity, introduction to cooling and introduction to heating.
HVACR III (Optional)
Prerequisite: HVACR II
This advanced course is optional and is designed to give students further opportunity to master knowledge and skills related to the industry including, but not limited to, accessories and optional equipment, planned maintenance, and trouble shooting of HVACR devices and appliances.