Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Core Curriculum & Specialties Training

Program Description

Train for an apprenticeship or other positions in skilled-trades.  Training includes OSHA safety, construction math, blueprint reading, tool usage and other trade skills used in a wide variety of construction jobs.  Supportive courses such as financial literacy and job readiness as well as working with a case manager/advocate are also program requirements.  Students will be prepared to enter a carpentry, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing apprenticeship program depending on which specialty classes they complete.

Core: Students learn safety, construction math, blueprint reading, tool usage and other trade skills used in a wide variety of construction jobs.

Specialties: Students will be prepared to enter a carpentry, electrical, HVAC or plumbing apprenticeship program depending on which specialty classes they complete.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

​1.  prepare to pass National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)​ certifications plus OSHA-10 and First Aid/CPR;

2.  demonstrate safe and effective basic skills required in various construction trades including trade calculations, tool usage, reading construction drawings, and basic communication;

3.  perform tasks associated with entry level workers in the construction and/or specialty trades; and

4.  prepare for successful entry into an apprenticeship program or other entry-level positions in construction and related fields.

Program Credentials

Successful Completion:

CCBC Credential:

Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential:

Core: Upon successful completion of the core classes, students will receive a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and the following industry certifications: First Aid/CPR; OSHA 10 for Construction; and National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

Specialty: Upon successful completion of the classes, students will receive a Level 1 certificate in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

Certifying Organization:

Core & Specialties:  National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER); www.nccer.org

Financial Aid and Payment Options

CCBC currently offers Continuing Education (CE) financial aid to those who qualify. We package public and private funding options to benefit students which include COVID-19 relief funding, the Maryland Sequence Scholarship, CCBC Opportunity Grant funding, Maryland Promise, and Baltimore County College Promise. Financial aid funding is available for select CE courses and programs. 

Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition,  the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development. 

For more information about funding resources and how to apply for them, please contact the CCBC Continuing Education Information Center at 443-840-4700.

Program Length

Core and Specialty – 7 months of part-time day/weekend training approximately September - March.

Program Requirements

High School Diploma or GED; minimum age of 18, basic math skills.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Non-Credit Workforce Training Certificate application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Provisional Entry: Students must attend a mandatory orientation session prior to registration.

Program Course Sequence

Core Course Information:

Specialties Course Information:

Additional Information

Career Opportunities:​

Completers will be prepared to enter an apprenticeship program or other construction jobs. Apprenticeship programs take 4 to 5 years. Apprentices work in their chosen field under the supervision of an experienced (journey-level) worker. Apprentice wages typically start at $12-$18/hour plus benefits, and wages increase as they progress through the apprenticeship program. Apprentices also take classes, which are typically paid for by their employer. Apprenticeship completers may earn credits towards an Associate of Applied Science degree at CCBC called Construction Craft Professional. Credits will be articulated upon presentation of a certificate of completion to the Construction Management coordinator for registration. 

They also receive a credential from the Maryland Department of Labor upon completion of their apprenticeship program.

Drug testing is typically required to qualify for an apprenticeship or other employment.

Journey-level workers may earn $20-$40/hour or more, plus benefits. They may also become managers, business owners, inspectors or instructors for their construction trade.

Skills for Success:
Detail-oriented, dependability, self-control, ability to follow safety rules, ability to follow directions, cooperation, integrity, persistence, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination.   Ability to stand for long periods of time.

Working in skilled-trades requires considerable physical effort to do lifting, climbing, crouching and working in cramped areas.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at: https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA .  Explore career and training opportunities at: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Coordinator: Candice Edwards | cedwards8@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4422 | Catonsville | BESS 100K

Administrative Assistant: Denise Bellamy | dbellamy@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4712 | Catonsville | BESS 100