ATS Application Steps for NCCER Accreditation

Step 1 – When you request to have us sponsor Your School.

Detailed Summary of the Intent

This statement outlines a cautious, structured approach to establishing an NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Training Unit in a public high school. The core message is that long-term success of the program depends entirely on strong, sustained financial and operational support from the regional construction industry, and the ATS Sponsor will not proceed without first securing that commitment.

Key Principles

• Regional Construction Industry Backing is Essential: A successful NCCER Training Unit requires full, ongoing support from local construction companies and stakeholders. Startup and annual operating costs—including a certified craft instructor, training materials, and equipment—must be funded and sustained by the region itself.
• Sustainability First: Before any effort is invested in establishing the Training Unit, a reliable support system with documented, ongoing commitments from the regional construction industry must be built. This support network will be in place even before the formal NCCER certification process begins.
• No Sponsorship Without Commitment: Sponsorship or formal approval will only be granted after the sustainable regional support system is secured. The emphasis on “PROMISES MADE WILL BE KEPT” underscores a non-negotiable requirement for binding, reliable regional commitments.

Responsibilities and Process

• NCCER ATS Sponsors Role: The ATS proposer will take the lead in building a coalition of regional construction industry members and will cover the costs of developing this coalition. Once the support system is established and commitment made , they will handle the remaining steps to implement the program.
• School District’s Role: The only requirement to initiate the process is a letter of intent from the School Superintendent that demonstrates a clear understanding of the NCCER certification curriculum they seek and the program structure.
• Cost to the School District: The ultimate goal is to deliver the full NCCER certification program at no cost to the school district, making it financially viable for the public high school. We will train the Craft Instructor, but the expectation is that the craft instructor will become a part of the school staff and the annual salary will be the school districts responsiblility. Normally the State reimbercement will be enough to cover the Craft Instructors Salary and the consumables on an annual basis but this veries based on student enrollment.

Conditions and Flexibility

• Dependency on Regional Commitment: Free implementation for the district is contingent on securing sufficient, sustained support from the local construction community.
• Trade Disciplines: Any NCCER-offered craft discipline is eligible, including but not limited to carpentry, plumbing, electrical, concrete finishing, roofing, or others.

In essence, the intent is to create a fully funded, industry-backed NCCER Training Unit that provides high-quality, credentialed construction education to high school students at no expense to the school district—provided the regional construction industry demonstrates tangible, long-term commitment upfront. The ATS Sponsor prioritizes sustainability and reliability over speed, refusing to move forward without first confirming the necessary regional buy-in.

Detailed Summary of the Intent

The statement outlines a cautious, structured approach to establishing an NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Training Unit in a public high school. The core message is that long-term success of the program depends entirely on strong, sustained financial and operational support from the regional construction industry, and the proposing party will not proceed without first securing that commitment.

Key Principles

• Regional Construction Industry Backing is Essential: A successful NCCER Training Unit requires full, ongoing support from local construction companies and stakeholders. Startup and annual operating costs—including a certified craft instructor, training materials, and equipment—must be funded and sustained by the region itself.
• Sustainability First: Before any effort is invested in establishing the Training Unit, a reliable support system with documented, ongoing commitments from the construction industry must be built. This support network will be in place even before the formal NCCER certification process begins.
• No Sponsorship Without Commitment: Sponsorship or formal approval will only be granted after the sustainable regional support system is secured. The emphasis on “PROMISES MADE WILL BE KEPT” underscores a non-negotiable requirement for binding, reliable commitments.

Responsibilities and Process

• Proposing Party’s Role: The ATS Sponsor will take the lead in building a coalition of regional construction industry members and will cover the costs of developing this coalition. Once the support system is established, they will handle the remaining steps to implement the program.
• School District’s Role: The only requirement to initiate the process is a letter of intent from the School Superintendent or CTE Director that demonstrates an understanding of the NCCER certification curriculum and program structure and want to move forward. A detailed curriculim content will be developed as the funding is secured.
• Cost to the School District: The ultimate goal is to deliver the full NCCER certification program at no cost to the school district, making it financially viable for the public high school.

Conditions and Flexibility

• Dependency on Regional Commitment: Free implementation for the district is contingent on securing sufficient, sustained support from the local construction community.
• Trade Disciplines: Any NCCER-offered craft discipline is eligible, including but not limited to carpentry, plumbing, electrical, concrete finishing, roofing, or others.

In essence, the intent is to create a fully funded, industry-backed NCCER Training Unit that provides high-quality, credentialed construction education to high school students at no expense to the school district—provided the regional construction industry demonstrates tangible, long-term commitment upfront. The ATS Sponsor prioritizes sustainability and reliability over speed, refusing to move forward without first confirming the necessary regional buy-in.

Step 2 – Detailed Process for Establishing an NCCER Training Unit in a School District

Establishing a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Training Unit (TU) in a public high school or school district allows the delivery of standardized, industry-recognized construction craft training and certifications. A TU is a physical training location (such as a high school) that operates under an Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS).

High schools rarely become independent ATS due to stringent requirements; instead, they typically partner with an existing ATS (e.g., a contractor, trade association, community college, or industry group) that “sponsors” the school as a TU. This partnership enables credentialed training without the school bearing full accreditation costs or responsibilities. NCCER facilitates connections and offers support for secondary programs.

The process emphasizes sustainability, including certified instructors, facilities/equipment, curricula access, and industry involvement (often via an advisory board for guidance and resource support).

Primary Paths

1. Sponsored Training Unit (Most Common for High Schools): Partner with an existing ATS.
2. Independent Accreditation (Less Common): The school district becomes its own ATS (requires more resources and eligibility proof).

Step-by-Step Process (Focused on the Sponsored TU Path)

1. Express Interest and Initial Consultation
   • As an NCCER ATS Sponsor, you have contacted us because you have already assessed the need for a trade specific program and want to move forward on that desision.
   • We will discuss your desision to move sponsorship forward (e.g., desired crafts like carpentry, plumbing, electrical) and sponsorship options.
   • School leadership (e.g., Superintendent or CTE Director) provides a letter of intent or commitment to demonstrate understanding of the program.
2. Secure Sponsorship and Industry Support
   • As an existing NCCER ATS with years of experience we are willing to sponsor the TU.
   • As a sponsor we are commited to ongoing support, which will include funding for materials, equipment, instructor training, or annual costs. This is described in detail in Step 1 and will be in place before implemening sponsorship.
   • Regional ndustry will be available to serve on advisory board (recommended/required for educational alignment) with local construction stakeholders for input, resources, and sustainability.
   • Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ATS and the school district, outlining responsibilities (e.g., compliance, audits, record sharing, resource provision).
3. Register the Training Unit
   • The ATS submits registration for the school as a TU to NCCER, including verification of the physical location (commercial address, facilities, equipment photos).
   • NCCER approves the TU registration. Training and assessments cannot begin until approval.
4. Prepare Personnel and Resources
   • Designate a school craft instructor or CTE coordinator.
   • The instructor completes NCCER’s Instructor Certification Training Program (ICTP) to become a Certified Craft Instructor (requires sponsor approval and training; The Sponsoring ATS has in place a NCCER Master Trainer with years of experience for oversight).
   • The NCCER curricula and materials (e.g., via NCCERconnect platform, VitalSource eText, or print). With Regional Industrial Committments, will be covered by the ATS Sponsor.
   • The ATS Sponsor working with the School District, to ensure facilities meet standards (safe lab/shop space, tools/equipment for hands-on training). Industry partners frequently donate or loan equipment.
   • The ATS Sponsor will set up access to the NCCER National Registry for tracking trainee progress and issuing portable credentials.
5. Program Setup and Compliance
   • Align the program with school requirements (e.g., Perkins Funding eligibility, career pathways, OSHA alignments).
   • The ATS will work with the School District to develop course structure (e.g., Core introductory modules + craft-specific levels).
   • For students under 18: Obtain signed parental/guardian release forms. Which will be Store Electronically with shared access for both parties.
   • The ATS will ensures initial compliance setup, including policies for security, assessments, and electronic recordkeeping.
6. Launch and Ongoing Operations
   • Begin training once TU is approved and instructor certified.
   • Deliver modules with assessments/performance verifications for NCCER credentials (entered into the Registry).
   • The ATS conducts periodic audits/evaluations of the TU (at least every 3 years).
   • Maintain annual reporting, fees (handled by sponsor), and recertifications keeped electronically and excessable by both parties.
7. Sustainability and Audits
   • Undergo initial ATS audit (within 6-12 months of activity) and ongoing compliance checks.
   • Renew instructor certifications and update resources annually.
   • Leverage industry commitments for sustained funding/support.

Additional Support Options

• High School Builder Program: NCCER’s philanthropic initiative to help schools launch construction CTE programs by removing financial barriers and providing expert guidance (details via direct contact).
• Costs: Curricula are publicly available, but credentials require accreditation. Sponsored often make it low/no-cost to the district through industry/sponsor funding.
• Timeframe: 6-18 months from interest to launch, depending on sponsorship and preparation.
• Benefits: Students earn portable credentials, transcripts in the Registry, and pathways to apprenticeships/jobs.