NCCER-Based Strategy for Kansas CTE Construction Pathway: Maximizing Concentrator and Completer Status

Kansas’s Architecture & Construction cluster includes the Construction pathway (sometimes called Construction & Design), which aligns well with NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) curriculum. NCCER provides standardized, industry-recognized modules starting with Core (introductory safety, tools, blueprints, math) as a prerequisite, followed by craft-specific Levels 1–2+ (e.g., Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Masonry, Plumbing, Pipefitting, Heavy Equipment Operations). Many Kansas districts integrate NCCER for credentials that stack toward journeyman status, motivate students with portable wallet cards/registry entries, and qualify for articulated college credit.

Concentrator status requires 2+ credits in the pathway; Completer requires 3+ credits (typically including a capstone/application-level course with work-based learning or advanced NCCER modules). NCCER integration maximizes success by:

Offering early credentials (Core completion often in grade 9–10) for quick wins.
Providing modular, hands-on training that appeals to diverse interests.
Enabling industry partnerships for assessments, internships, and job placement.
Supporting Perkins reporting and Kansans Can recognition through documented certifications.

Use Xello (or equivalent district tool) for centralized IPS tracking: career assessments to identify construction interests, course planning aligned to NCCER sequences, progress dashboards for credits/credentials, and shared access for middle/high school counselors.

7th–12th Grade Strategy Overview

Focus on early exposure to trades, intentional IPS planning for NCCER Core entry, specialization in a craft, and capstone experiences. Promote NCCER credentials as resume boosters (e.g., higher starting wages, apprenticeship credit). Collaborate with local contractors (via Build Up Kansas or AGC) for guest speakers, site visits, and work-based learning.

Grade Level	Student Actions (via IPS in Xello)	Counselor/Teacher Actions (Tracking in Xello)	NCCER Focus & Milestone
7th Grade	– Complete career inventories highlighting hands-on trades. – Explore construction cluster via virtual tours (NCCER videos) or skills assessments. – Identify interests (e.g., Carpentry vs. HVAC).	– Facilitate IPS sessions with trade exposure activities. – Document interests and introduce NCCER careers. – Invite trade professionals for talks.	Awareness of trades; preliminary interest flagged.
8th Grade	– Research specific crafts (e.g., job shadows, NCCER module previews). – Select Construction pathway and draft high school plan including NCCER Core intro. – Attend pathway fairs or summer camps.	– Mandatory IPS conference with parents. – Approve plan ensuring 9th-grade NCCER-aligned intro course. – Share data with high school counselors.	Formal IPS with Construction pathway selected; on track for early Core.
9th Grade	– Enroll in Introductory course (e.g., Introduction to Construction, 1 credit). – Complete NCCER Core modules and assessments. – Join SkillsUSA for competition exposure.	– Monitor enrollment and progress. – Document Core credential pursuit. – IPS review to confirm pathway alignment.	Earn 1 credit + NCCER Core credential; foundation built.
10th Grade	– Enroll in Technical-level craft course (e.g., Carpentry I or Electrical I, 1 credit). – Complete NCCER Level 1 modules/assessments in chosen craft. – Update IPS with reflections/certifications.	– Track cumulative credits (flag for Concentrator). – Document Level 1 progress and interventions for at-risk students.	Achieve Concentrator (2+ credits) + NCCER Level 1 credential.
11th Grade	– Enroll in advanced Technical/Application course (e.g., Craft II, 1–2 credits). – Complete NCCER Level 2 modules. – Pursue work-based learning (internships) and additional certifications (e.g., OSHA-10 via NCCER).	– Annual IPS conference focused on postsecondary (apprenticeship/college). – Generate reports on credential attainment.	Progress to 3+ credits + Level 2 credential; strong Completer trajectory.
12th Grade	– Complete capstone (e.g., Advanced Projects, Workplace Experience, 1 credit). – Finalize NCCER performance verifications and registry entry. – Apply for apprenticeships using credentials.	– Final IPS review and exit conference. – Verify/document Completer status and full NCCER certifications. – Export data for state reporting.	Achieve Completer (3+ credits) + full craft certification (e.g., NCCER Carpentry Level 2).

Implementation Tips to Maximize Success

Early Credentialing: Completing NCCER Core by end of 9th grade boosts retention—students see immediate value.
Specialization Flexibility: Allow students to select crafts based on school offerings/partnerships (e.g., area tech centers for juniors/seniors).
Equity & Recruitment: Target underrepresented groups with middle school outreach; use Xello dashboards for early intervention.
Partnerships: Leverage NCCER’s High School Builder Program, Build Up Kansas, or local AGC chapters for curriculum support, assessments, and job shadows.
Motivation Boost: Track/display NCCER credentials in Xello portfolios; celebrate milestones to increase completion rates.

Examples by Student Interest

Assume school/district offers multiple craft tracks within the Construction pathway (common in larger districts like Wichita USD 259, often via on-site or regional tech centers).

Carpentry Interest:
- 8th IPS: Selects Construction pathway with Carpentry focus.
- 9th: Introduction to Construction → NCCER Core credential (1 credit).
- 10th: Carpentry I → NCCER Carpentry Level 1 (1 credit) → Concentrator.
- 11th–12th: Carpentry II + Capstone Projects → NCCER Level 2 + performance verification (2 credits) → Completer with full Carpentry certification, ready for framing/finish apprenticeship.
HVAC Interest:
- 7th–8th: Assessments show preference for mechanical systems.
- 9th: Intro course → NCCER Core.
- 10th: HVAC I → NCCER HVAC Level 1 (refrigeration, ductwork basics).
- 11th–12th: HVAC II + internship → Level 2 (installation/troubleshooting) → Completer with EPA 608 prep and HVAC credential.
Electrical/Lineman Interest:
- IPS planning: Flags Electrical track.
- Sequence: Core (9th) → Electrical I (Level 1: wiring, codes; 10th) → Concentrator → Electrical II (Level 2: advanced systems, possible lineman intro modules) + work-based → Completer with NCCER Electrical certification, positioned for utility apprenticeships.
Heavy Equipment Operator Interest:
- If offered (via partnerships): Core → Heavy Equipment Operations I (Level 1: safety, operation basics) → Level 2 (site prep, grading) + simulated/practical hours → Completer with NCCER HEO credential.

For trades like Welding or Pipefitting (sometimes in Manufacturing cluster), recommend cross-pathway advising if Construction doesn’t align perfectly—NCCER still applies, but credits may count differently.

This NCCER-integrated approach, tracked via IPS in Xello, systematically builds skills, credentials, and credits for high Concentrator/Completer rates while preparing students for immediate high-wage careers.