Construction Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs prepare learners for high-wage, in-demand careers. And to keep up with demand for construction services, the industry needs to attract 349,000 new workforce members in 2026. States need scalable systems that align curriculum and career awareness to meet this need.
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) provides several programs and resources designed to support this work. Through industry-aligned curriculum, credentialing, and program development support, NCCER helps states standardize construction training while connecting learners to workforce opportunities.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum and Credentials
NCCER curriculum is developed with construction industry subject matter experts to ensure training reflects real-world job site expectations.
Learners participating in NCCER programs can earn industry-recognized credentials that validate the competencies they develop through training. These credentials provide a nationally recognized way to document learner achievement, support college and career readiness, and open pathways to apprenticeship and postsecondary education.
NCCER training also aligns with widely recognized certifications such as OSHA 10, AWS SENSE, and HVAC Excellence, helping ensure construction pathways meet both education standards and industry expectations. Curricula also embed a strong foundation in safety, reinforcing the habits and awareness learners need to perform confidently and responsibly on the job site.
State-Level Implementation and Accreditation
States can scale construction pathways more efficiently through NCCER accreditation. When a state agency, system, or institution holds NCCER accreditation, schools can be onboarded using consistent program standards and instructor certification requirements.
This structure allows education agencies to standardize curriculum, testing, and credentialing across districts while maintaining flexibility for local program delivery. State or system-level accreditation also allows agencies to centrally manage program implementation and pull data at the state level, helping provide a clearer picture of program successes and opportunities for growth.
Supporting New Construction Programs
For schools launching construction CTE programs, NCCER’s High School Builder Program provides guidance and resources that help educators establish sustainable programs aligned with industry expectations.
The program supports schools with curriculum implementation, instructor preparation, and program development, helping address common challenges schools encounter when introducing construction pathways.
Additionally, CareerStarter introduces learners to different possibilities for careers in construction and helps connect them with employers and postsecondary training programs.
These programs help learners see a clear path from classroom learning to employment in the skilled trades.
From Vision to Impact
Strengthening construction pathways requires alignment between education systems and industry needs.
NCCER provides the framework states can use to standardize training, expand construction CTE pathways, and help more learners move from the classroom to careers in construction.
Interested in learning more about how NCCER can make an impact in your state? Fill out this form, and a member of our Workforce Development team will be in touch.
Jimmy Hull is Senior Workforce Development Manager at NCCER. To learn more about how NCCER’s CTE programs can make an impact in your state, reach out to him at [email protected].
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