Core
Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills prepares individuals for entry-level positions on project sites by providing the basics in safety, hand and power tools, construction math, materials handling, construction drawings, rigging and employability skills.
This competency-based program can be used as a pre-apprenticeship program, meets Perkins funding requirements and is recognized throughout the country by the construction industry. The knowledge and skills established in Core are the foundation that successful construction careers are built on.
For schools governed by the Florida Department of Education, 150 hours of knowledge and skills-based instruction are required when using this program.
NCCERconnect for Core Sixth Edition takes this already robust training curriculum even further by introducing additional learning assets to enhance learners’ application and understanding of the material while empowering instructors with valuable resources. Learn more about the key features and benefits by viewing the Press Release.
Craft Snapshot
Curriculum Details
Competencies & Objectives Lists |
6th Edition: Click here |
Module ID 00100: Construction is an exciting, well-paying industry that offers an abundance of career opportunities. With a growing need for individuals who are ready to learn while getting paid, it provides a great fit for people of all backgrounds, skills, and strengths. Carpenter, pipefitter, welder, electrician, and crane operator are just a few of the construction professions in high demand. This module will help you understand the state of the industry, the job opportunities that currently exist, and the training options that will lead you on a path to your new construction career.
Module ID 00101: Work at construction and industrial job sites can be hazardous. Most job-site incidents are caused by at-risk behavior, poor planning, lack of training, or failure to recognize the hazards. To help prevent incidents, every company must have a proactive safety program. Safety must be incorporated into all phases of the job and involve employees at every level, including management.
Module ID 00102: Craft professionals rely on math to do their jobs accurately and efficiently. Plumbers calculate pipe lengths, plan drain slopes, and interpret dimensioned plans. Carpenters meet code requirements by using math to frame walls and ceilings properly. HVAC professionals develop ductwork and calculate airflow with practical geometry. Whichever craft lies in your future, math will play a role in it. This module reviews the math that you will need and sharpens the skills that you will be using in the exciting modules ahead.
Module ID 00103: Every profession has its tools. A surgeon uses a scalpel, an instructor uses a whiteboard, and an accountant uses a calculator. The construction crafts require a broad array of hand tools. Even if you are familiar with some of the tools, all craftworkers need to learn how to select, maintain, and use them safely. A quality hand tool may cost more up front, but if it is properly used and maintained, it will last for years. A true craft professional invests wisely in hand tools, and uses, maintains, and stores them with the same wisdom.
Module ID 00104: Power tools play an important role in the construction industry. Thousands of construction workers across the world use power tools every day to make holes, cut different types of materials, smooth rough surfaces, and shape a variety of products. Regardless of their specialization, all construction workers eventually use power tools on their job. This module provides an overview of the common types of power tools and how they function. It also describes the proper techniques required to ensure their safe and efficient operation.
Module ID 00105: Various types of construction drawings are used to represent actual components of a building project. The drawings provide specific information about the locations of the parts of a structure, the types of materials to be used, and the correct layout of the building. Knowing the purposes of the different types of drawings and interpreting the drawings correctly are important skills for anyone who works in the construction trades. This module introduces common types of construction drawings, their basic components, standard drawing elements, and measurement tools that are typically used when working with construction drawings.
Module ID 00106: A common activity at nearly every construction site is the movement of material and equipment from one place to another using various types of lifting gear. The procedures involved in performing this task are known as rigging. Not every worker will participate in rigging operations, but nearly all will be exposed to it at one time or another. This module provides an overview of the various types of rigging equipment, common hitches used during a rigging operation, and the related Emergency Stop hand signal.
Module ID 00107: The construction professional communicates constantly. The ability to communicate skillfully will help to make you a better worker and a more effective leader. This module provides guidance in listening to understand, and speaking with clarity. It explains how to use and understand written materials, and it also provides techniques and guidelines that will help you to improve your writing skills.
Module ID 00108: Becoming gainfully employed in the construction industry takes more preparation than simply filling out a job application. It is essential to understand how the construction industry and potential employers operate. Your trade skills are extremely important, but all employers are also looking for those who are eager to advance and demonstrate positive personal characteristics. This module discusses the skills needed to pursue employment successfully.
Module ID 00109: Lifting, stacking, transporting, and unloading materials such as brick, pipe, and various supplies are routine tasks on a job site. Whether performing these tasks manually or with the aid of specialized equipment, workers must follow basic safety guidelines to keep themselves and their co-workers safe. This module provides guidelines for using the appropriate PPE for the material being handled and using proper procedures and techniques to carry out the job.
Contributing Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are a vital part of NCCER’s Curriculum development process. SMEs are construction and maintenance professionals who have journey-level experience and have experience teaching their trades to others.
Anthony Johnson, Exelon Generation
Bob Fitzgerald, The Southern Company
Brett Richardson, Starcon
Chris Williams, ABC National
Erin M. Hunter, River Valley Technical Center
Erin Moritz, Toledo Refining Co. LLC
Fernando Sanchez, TIC – The Industrial Company
Harold (Hal) Heintz
Jan Prakke, Lake Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
John Ambrosia, West Georgia Electric
John Stronkowski, Industrial Management & Training Institute Incorporated
Jon Jones, Pittsburg State University
Mark Bonda, Maintenance & Construction Technology Alliance (MCTA)
Matthew Smith, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
Michael Sandroussi, ABC Merit Shop Training Program Inc. dba CTC of the Coastal Bend
Paul Fontenot II, Safety Advantage, LLC
Ralph Yelder Jr., KBR Industrial Services
Rich Baldwin, PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc.
Sidney Mitchell, The Shaw Group, Inc.
Todd Hartnell, Central Cabarrus High School
Tony Ayotte, Cianbro Companies
NCCERconnect
Optimize your classroom time, while accelerating knowledge for learners. NCCERconnect works to provide learners with always-available access to online training materials, including videos, interactives, a rich eText, practice quizzes and other engaging content.
- Mobile access to the eText also allows for learning on-the-go.
- Instructors can get started quickly with pre-built assignments, use the robust course tools for class management, and track student participation and results through the online gradebook.
- Designed to help learner engagement in any classroom, whether a blended, virtual or traditional classroom environment.
Instructor Resources
Instructor Toolbox
NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.
Level Tests
Level Tests are available for some of our most popular titles. These comprehensive tests combine items from all modules within a level of curriculum into one test.
Why Level Tests?
- Helps instructors who have difficulty scheduling a computer lab for each module test.
- Provides industry programs with a way for individuals to test out of a level of training for more efficient placement in a position or training program.
- Provides secondary programs a tool for pre- and post-tests to meet school or state requirements. Pre-tests do not result in a certificate.
- Provides instructors with instructor level tests for state requirements.
Level tests are available in the NCCER Learning Platform under Specialized Tests. Click here for how-to resources.
Assessments
NCCER’s assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from the industry. Click the assessment title below to open its specifications.