New Training Curricula for Construction Industry Mentors and Workforce Development Professionals

Words: Dan KamysSeptember 20, 2016 — In response to the growing demand for workforce development professionals and mentors, NCCER has released two new training programs developed by subject matter experts: Construction Workforce Development Professional and Mentoring for Craft Professionals. [caption id="attachment_13861" align="alignnone" width="350"]The new Construction Workforce Development Professional training guide from NCCER. The new Construction Workforce Development Professional training guide from NCCER.[/caption]   The Construction Workforce Development Professional program, the first of its kind in the construction industry, establishes a standard for the skills and knowledge a construction workforce development professional should possess. Topics in the curriculum include effective communication; managing craft training programs and registered apprenticeships; policies and ethics; workforce and instructor recruitment; financial management and budgeting; marketing, public relations and community outreach; and business plan development. Training module completions from the curriculum are recorded in NCCER's Registry System when the program is taught under an NCCER certified instructor at an accredited organization. The Construction Workforce Development Professional program also includes a certification for individuals who successfully complete a written assessment through an NCCER Accredited Assessment Center. To find an accredited training and/or assessment center, visit nccer.org/center-search.aspx. NCCER also released its Mentoring for Craft Professionals curriculum. The average age of today's craft professional lies between 48 and 52 years old, and 75 million baby boomers are approaching or already at retirement age. Thus, it is more important than ever for experienced craft professionals to pass along their knowledge to the younger generation. The Mentoring for Craft Professionals curriculum details the expectations and outcomes of a mentoring relationship, characteristics of effective mentors, phases of mentoring relationships, communication techniques, conflict resolution and elements of a formal mentoring program. After completing the training program, mentors will be able to determine the needs of trainees and how they learn best. For more information, visit www.nccer.org or contact NCCER customer service toll-free at (888) 622-3720.
The Behind-the-Wall Secrets Every Mason Already Knows (But Some Ignore)
March 2026

You’ve been around long enough to know this already: stone doesn’t fail on the face; it fails behind the wall. You can lay the prettiest veneer in the county, but if the prep is junk, that wall’s gonna start telling on you after a couple of winters. Manu

Rob McKay
Technical Talks
Read More
From the Mound to the Mortar: Jon Rauch’s Tall Order in the Masonry Industry
March 2026

In the record books of Major League Baseball, Jon Rauch is a literal giant. At 6 feet, 11 inches, he remains the tallest player to ever step onto a Big League mound. But today, the Olympic Gold Medalist and 11-season MLB veteran isn’t looking for a strike

Robert Melgaard
Industry News
Read More
Case Study: The Scoop
March 2026

Leading UK architecture firm, Corstorphine & Wright, has announced the completion of ‘The Scoop’, a unique concave office building in Southwark, London. The innovative design reuses an existing building and integrates a conical cut-out façade in white gla

Case Study
Read More
Executing Color-Driven Designs Without Compromising Craftsmanship
March 2026

On today’s jobsites, masonry contractors are being asked to do more than install manufactured stone veneer (MSV). They’re being asked to interpret design trends and execute them with precision. Homeowners arrive with curated Pinterest boards. Designers r

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More