The Rhode Island Construction Training Academy has graduated more than 2,200 apprentices over 25 years as the affiliate of ABC’s Rhode Island Chapter. In 2017, for the first time ever, the academy had to turn away students due to capacity restrictions at its nine-year-old facility.

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training predicts the state’s construction industry will grow 14.1 percent by 2024—requiring employers to fill almost 5,900 positions.

In response, this fall RICTA is opening two new tech-equipped classrooms to accommodate the continued expansion of sheet metal and electrical apprenticeship programs—just two of the nine trades the school teaches. The classrooms will increase RICTA’s enrollment capacity 25 percent and its footprint nearly 40 percent from 8,400 square feet to 11,400 square feet.

Project funding came from The Champlin Foundation, the Trimmer Construction Education Fund, and in-kind donations from J.J. Cardosi, Inc., CARJON Air Conditioning & Heating, Robert F. Audet, Inc. Electrical Contractor, Alpha Electrical Constructors, Inc. and American Tele-Connect Services, Inc.

The bottom line: Renewed growth in the construction industry, a shortage of experienced workers and a focus on safety are driving demand for RICTA’s NCCER-focused training programs.

Marianne Hazel, president of the ABC Central Pennsylvania Chapter, concurs that the most critical need of contractors is finding skilled workers. “We want to better engage employers to help close the skills gap. Our purposeful training will upskill their workforce,” she says. “Providing ample workforce opportunities in our region will have a meaningful impact and assist our members in their growth, which ultimately positively affects the area’s economic growth.”

Putting those words into practice, the ABC Central Pennsylvania Chapter launched a craft training series on the fundamentals of carpentry that will expand to offer electrical and plumbing programs this fall. A safety component is included in each training session.

With a TCEF grant, the chapter upgraded its existing training center with new technology and teaching tools, including a spark-board, furniture, white boards and computers.

Replacing 10-year-old audio/visual equipment also has been a priority for the ABC Central Texas Chapter, which saw the number of education and training programs offered in 2017 triple compared to 2015 and 2016.

“We want to be the training facility that instructors, members and professionals look forward to working in,” says ABC Central Texas Chapter President Tracey Evers.

Recently, for its two larger classrooms, the chapter purchased new pull-down screens, high-tech projectors, ceiling-mounted speakers, universal remotes and presentation gateways that enable airplay from any device. The third smaller room is being equipped with a large-screen TV that can be used with a laptop, tablet or online presentations.

The upgrade, partially funded by the TCEF, positions the chapter to offer more distance learning in the future. Already, one member company, Trio Electric, uses the training rooms in the evening to facilitate its own distance learning apprenticeship classes.

“With so many members maintaining offices throughout the country, this has become more prevalent,” Evers says. “A rising tide lifts all ships. The better job we can do to provide access to education and training, the better off the industry is.”

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