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.  Work may include maintenance, repair, and construction, using a variety of techniques, tools, and equipment ranging from simple to highly sophisticated.

During the CORE training, students will learn OSHA safety, construction math, blueprint reading, tool usage and other trade skills used across the construction industry.  Students will also be introduced to the various trades associated within the construction industry. Supportive topics such as job readiness as well as working with a case manager/advocate are also program requirements.  Before the end of the CORE training students will choose their specialty trade. Specialty trades include carpentry, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.

Working in the skilled trades requires considerable physical effort. Extended periods of standing, regularly lifting 35 pounds or more, climbing, crouching and working in cramped areas are all likely. Those who desire work in the skilled trades should have good manual dexterity, be detail-oriented, dependable, and cooperative. Skilled trades workers should also desire to work safely and follow directions.

Skilled-trades workers may find employment in commercial or residential settings. New construction, general contracting, and specialty industries all employ skilled trades workers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over the next 10 years growth in many of the skilled trades is growing faster or as fast as the national average. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach:   https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.​​

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

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.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

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 $16-$20/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.

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