In the construction industry, certifications are important for aspiring professionals looking to stand out in trades like electrical; heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC); and welding. These certifications can speak to a worker’s knowledge, skills, and understanding of industry standards and safety procedures. Having certification can help give aspiring skilled tradespeople more career flexibility, which can help improve potential job opportunities.
What is NCCER?
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is a non-profit organization designed to help address the shortage of skilled tradespeople. Through its certifications and resources, the NCCER strives to offer meaningful educational opportunities to develop a skilled and safety conscious workforce. They offer certifications for a wide range of skilled trades careers like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) or electrical.
The NCCER aims to ensure those pursuing certification receive training aligned to industry needs and standards.
Beyond technical expertise, the NCCER fosters essential soft skills like empathy, customer service, and credibility. These virtues are integrated into their training programs. Emphasizing empathy nurtures understanding and responsiveness to customer needs. Quality customer service ensures trainees meet and exceed expectations. Credibility involves instilling honesty and reliability.
These traits alongside the technical expertise and skills to complete assigned tasks can help build a strong professional reputation. The NCCER also values innovation and creative problem-solving because the industry is constantly evolving to improve existing processes and create new ones. NCCER programs prepare students as proficient, empathetic, and credible technicians.
What is the Construction Industry?
The construction industry includes things from building residential homes to large civil engineering projects like highways, bridges, and public facilities. This industry provides the framework for urban and rural communities, drives economic growth, and improves the quality of our everyday lives.
Within this industry trades like electrical, HVAC, and welding can help form the foundation of building projects. Electrical technicians help distribute power safely and efficiently throughout buildings, HVAC/R professionals help maintain the climate inside buildings, and welders build strong, durable structures.
The American Welding Society (AWS) predicts 330,000 welders will be needed by 2028, and 82,500 welder jobs will need to be filled every year from 2024 to 2028. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 9% growth nationwide in demand for HVAC mechanics and installers, also called HVAC technicians, from 2023 to 2033. Should these projections hold, about 42,500 openings will be available per year.
As the demand for skilled tradespeople in these areas grows, graduates of skilled trades programs can pursue industry certifications to stay competitive in the job market.
What Does NCCER Certification Means for Aspiring Professionals?
NCCER credentials are recognized worldwide, and speak to a professional’s competence and abilities.
Getting NCCER certified can help make a difference in an aspiring professional’s career by increasing employability and job opportunities. With an industry-recognized credential, you can become a valuable and qualified candidate. This could mean better paying jobs, increased job opportunities, and more career flexibility.
As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, earning industry-recognized credentials may help improve an aspirating professional’s prospects.
How STVT® Can Help Students Prepare for NCCER Certification
At South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT), we expose students to NCCER competencies in our:
- Combination Welding program
- Electrical program
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Basic Refrigeration (HVAC/BR) program
In addition to this exposure, our students can familiarize themselves with industry safety as they practice their skills in hands-on classes and labs. Our curriculum is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge of an entry-level professional for their chosen career path. Each program aims to offer students valuable insights into industry standards, and feel confident in their new abilities.
STVT is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and succeed in the construction industry. Our industry-experienced instructors bring their professional experience and technical knowledge to each course, which can help better prepare students for life after graduation.
Moreover, our Career Services team works closely with students to better understand their career goals. Our team can help notify students, and program graduates, of upcoming job fairs and potential job opportunities related to their interests. We also offer resume support, interview coaching, mock interviews, and job search assistance to help improve our students and graduates chances for a successful job hunt.
With hands-on training, exposure to NCCER competencies, and career support, we aim to equip our students with the skills and support to begin entry-level careers.
Start Training for a Career in Skilled Trades at STVT
Choosing a career in the skilled trades can be a rewarding path that may ensure job stability and opportunities for career growth. To help meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in fields such as welding, HVAC, and electrical work, aspiring professionals should consider earning industry-recognized certifications, to showcase their competence and be a more competitive applicant.
Well-rounded professional development in these trades can help students develop technical skills and invaluable soft skills that can benefit them in the workforce. This can be integral to building industry connections, learning to work as part of a team, and even adapt to workplace conditions. Our programs can help equip aspiring professionals prepare for entry-level careers with hands-on training. Through guidance from industry-experienced instructors and access to our Career Services team, our students can confidently keep moving toward their career goals.
Training for careers in the skilled trades may open doors to numerous opportunities and growth, and STVT is here to support you along the way in achieving your career goals. Our career-relevant programs and dedicated faculty can help you gain the skills and knowledge to pursue your next career. Whether you’re interested in welding, HVAC, or electrical work, we are committed to helping you prepare for entry-level careers through hands-on learning experiences. Don’t hesitate to take the first step toward a fulfilling career.
Call us today at 866-480-9766 or submit this form to learn more about how STVT can help you get started.
Disclaimer: Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. STVT does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at STVT. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at STVT.
