The Endorsed Trade Program is a program developed by PBA, in collaboration with educators, local builders associations, and other industry stakeholders, to provide technical school graduates more credibility in the job market and provide builders with a highly skilled workforce.
PBA’s program is the ONLY program that offers comprehensive support for schools and develops relationships with students.
By requiring that curricula meet industry standards, ensuring that facilities are adequate for proper hands-on training, assisting schools in the development of home builder student chapters, facilitating local internships, and providing a process to ensure that students can connect with builders, PBA’s program accelerates the placement process for students to transition successfully into the workforce.
Testing
Secondary students completing their training are assessed based upon the Department of Education’s approved occupational competency assessment administered by the National Occupation Competency Testing Institute, or NOCTI. Post secondary students are assessed based upon mutually agreeable testing data between the school and PBA.
“Our program provides pathways for direct job placement filling the skilled-trades gap – which more and more requires higher academic abilities in reading, writing, and math skills. There are also military options in construction fields and the program is also a pathway for post-secondary and four-year degrees.” – Randy Williamson, Instructor, Williamsport Area High School
Endorsed Schools and Programs
Endorsed programs include building trades maintenance, carpentry, construction trades, electrical, HVAC, masonry, plumbing, cabinetmaking and millwork, and painting and wall covering. Skill sets for each trade area were determined using standards developed by the National Association of Home Builders.
Schools seeking endorsement must have the approval of a local home builders association, as well as an established NAHB Student Chapter.
