Find a Contractor Buyer's Guide
MCAA Logo
Member Login JOIN
NEWS
Join Us For The 75th Anniversary Midyear Meeting Sep 7-11 ↗

NCCER credentials prepare high school graduates for careers

Words: Patrick Abou-chrouchTwenty years ago I was hired by the School District of Philadelphia to teach a building maintenance class at a special needs high school. After spending the previous 18 years working as a carpenter in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties, very little in my past prepared me for the task I was about to undertake. Although I was a graduate of the carpenters union apprenticeship program and had journey-level experience and National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) certificates to go along with my bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University, my only classroom experience was as a student.

Like many rookie career and technical education (CTE) teachers, I entered my new career with a number of preconceived notions. I quickly found that I not only lacked all the answers, I did not even know the questions. As time passed, I found that — like the process of becoming a carpenter — the teaching process was much the same. It takes years after the learning phase is complete to become fully competent in each profession.

When I started my position at Swenson Arts and Technology High School, I began looking for a curriculum that would offer industry recognition, help improve dismal NOCTI test results, be engaging to students and allow me to bring regimentation to my program. With the guidance of the good people at our local Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapter, I was introduced to NCCER’s curricula and ready to implement the change that was needed to move our program forward. With NCCER’s Core Curriculum, Carpentry Fundamentals and selected modules from Carpentry Level 2, administrative and student buy-in provide the tools to meet demand by the state and school district to provide high level academic infusion into CTE programs.

Our students take pride in their success and the rigor of the program. They know they are learning what it takes to obtain a professional career in the industry. The NCCER modules they complete at Swenson are accepted by the local ABC chapter’s apprenticeship program and convert to college credits through the local community college, if desired. The program also allows me to cater instruction to the needs of students at all levels. With a willingness to learn and the effort to persevere, our students have experienced great success. At Swenson, we have the luxury of allowing our students to receive their academic coursework and CTE instruction under the same roof. This allows our math and literacy teachers to infuse CTE related information into their curriculum where possible and the ability and time for me to coordinate with the academic teachers by sharing strategies concerning individual students.

As one school year ends and the planning for the next one begins, the local construction forecast has turned from bleak to terrific. Our industry partners are anticipating record growth and expanded opportunities for our young graduates. With NCCER credentials in hand, our graduates are far ahead of the competition for rewarding and sustaining careers. Furthermore, they enter the industry with a clear vision of the opportunities to advance as far as their dreams and hard work will take them.
 0
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

Zach Everett
Read More
From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Keith Lolley
MAP Partner
Read More
Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Industry News
Read More
Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More