Revised training and assessment products now available for the construction industry

Includes a new instructional design

By Jennifer Wilkerson

NCCER, the leading standardized training and credentialing program for the construction industry, recently revised its Construction Craft Laborer Level 1 and Level 2 curricula as well as its Hydroblasting Technician assessment and Performance Verification.

Construction craft laborers perform a variety of crafts and operate many types of tools, instruments and equipment as they travel to different jobsites. The Construction Craft Laborer curriculum introduces trainees to a variety of trades, including carpentry, masonry, ironworking, electrical, welding, heavy equipment and cranes. Upon completion of this two-level course, trainees will have the basic knowledge needed on any job site. The curriculum covers subjects such as site layout, reinforcing concrete and electrical safety.

The third edition of Construction Craft Laborer includes a new instructional design complete with a printed Instructor's Copy, lesson plans, classroom activities and PowerPoint presentations. Instructors can also download digital versions of these items from the Instructor Resource Center. Lesson plans include step-by-step instructional outlines, learning objectives, teaching times and tips, safety considerations and equipment lists. PowerPoint presentations are fully integrated with the lesson plans and feature images and diagrams that have been updated to exemplify the most current industry practices with an additional emphasis on safety. To address green construction practices, the revised edition of Construction Craft Laborer Level 2 includes NCCER's Your Role in the Green Environment, which was recently updated to LEED v4 standards.

In addition to Construction Craft Laborer, NCCER also revised its journey-level Hydroblasting Technician assessment and Performance Verification. Hydroblasting technicians must have familiarity with personal protective equipment, design specifications and the mechanical operations of hoses, shotguns and accessories. The assessment and Performance Verification evaluate a hydroblasting technician's ability to operate equipment such as shotguns, flex lances and stiff lances and his or her understanding of the safety aspects of equipment, such as relief valves, maximum operating capabilities, equipment ratings and limitations. Technicians are also evaluated on their awareness of associated hazards and conditions surrounding hydroblasting activities and how to properly perform equipment inspection of water filters, water conditions, equipment conditions and pre-task assessments prior to operation.

NCCER develops and publishes its curricula in partnership with leading textbook publisher Pearson. Assessments are developed in conjunction with Prov, NCCER's test development partner, and are designed to evaluate the journey-level knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. A team of Subject Matter Experts representing industry and academia contribute to the development of training curricula, assessments and Performance Verifications to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards. Individuals who successfully complete these training and/or assessment programs through an NCCER Accredited organization will earn industry-recognized credentials through the NCCER Registry System. NCCER curricula comply with the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship requirements for time-based training.