Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Core Curriculum & Specialties Training

Program Description

CCBC, in partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Baltimore (ABC), offers a series of courses to train for an apprenticeship or other positions in the 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 topics such as job readiness as well as working with a case manager/advocate are also program requirements. The Core training prepares students to enter a pre-apprenticeship specialty topic in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.

Core: Students learn OSHA safety, construction math, blueprint reading, tool usage and other trade skills used in a wide variety of construction jobs. During the Core students chose a pre-apprenticeship specialty.

Specialties: After completing a pre-apprenticeship specialty—carpentry, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing—students will be prepared to enter a formal, registered apprenticeship. Students will have advanced standing for relevant ABC registered apprenticeship programs.

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) core certification 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.

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

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).

Certifying Organization:

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

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education 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.

Program Length

Core – 2 months of part-time day training.

Specialty – 8 months of part-time evening training.

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.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Core Course Information:

Specialties Course Information - Carpentry

Specialties Course Information - Electrical

Specialties Course Information - HVAC

Specialties Course Information - Plumbing

Additional Information

Career Opportunities:​
Completers will be prepared to enter an apprenticeship program or other construction jobs. Apprenticeship programs typically 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 $15-$19/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.

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

Drug testing and transportation 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: David Frey | dfrey@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-2793 | Dundalk | STAT 110

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