CRTC Happenings—Construction Trades - Focus for the Future
Submitted by Director Steve Rothenberg
The CRTC’s mission is to prepare students for success in their careers and college. Over the past stretch, we have been doing some deep thinking about potential changes to our Construction Technology Program curriculum to prepare students for the most progressive and economically worthwhile careers in this industry. This is a particular priority given that the construction/building trades employment sector has a wealth of opportunities available now, and per economic predictions, will continue to do so for the next decade.
The program, which is fully enrolled, is primarily focused on major aspects of residential construction. Over the past few years, we’ve added some mini-units on commercial framing, plumbing and electrical to supplement the curriculum.
Opportunities in the trades - plumbing, electrical, welding, HVAC - are particularly strong right now. Well-paying career jobs are available to entry level workers who have earned an associate's degree and certificates at school like Manchester Community College. In addition, students who have an affinity for use of tools can also consider pursuing certificates and/or degrees in areas like advanced manufacturing or composites. Of particular note is Great Bay Community College’s site in Rochester, NH, where they are focused on preparing students for work in the high-tech composite plastics industry, with partnerships with major employers like Albany International and Safron. How these opportunities can impact our program design is the big question.
We continue to explore - last week our teacher John Hubbard toured the New England Carpenter’s Union training site in Millbury, MA. It is impressive. They are aggressively recruiting and training, including apprenticeships. Support for the apprenticeship model seems to be coming back given the lack of quality tradespeople (and an aging workforce). The Portsmouth Shipyard also has an extensive model.
We continue to learn and listen. If you have ideas, please get in touch with John Hubbard or myself.
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