CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE EDUCATION OVERVIEW
Are you interested in submitting a Program or Institution for ACCE Accreditation consideration?
Overview
The mission of ACCE is to be a leading global advocate of quality construction education and promote, support, and accredit construction education programs and single-purpose institutions.
ACCE is comprised of industry professionals and educators who volunteer to establish and maintain standards and criteria for accreditation, provide guidance to those programs seeking to achieve accredited status, and carry out the accreditation process.
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In 2021, ACCE expanded its mission to include accreditation of Construction Workforce Education Programs which combine on-the-job work experience with classroom study to teach construction-related skills, methods, terminology, and other pedological topics to individuals to enhance their ability to perform construction-related work in a professional, safe, and quality manner. This process is separate from ACCE’s Professional Development Certification Program which certifies industry-related professional development programs offered by Educational Institutions, Industry Associations, and private companies.
History
In early 2020, a proposal was submitted by the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors’ Association (RMMCA) for ACCE to include workforce education programs in their accreditation process. At the 2020 Annual Meeting, the ACCE Board of Trustees established the Construction Workforce Education (CWE) Committee with the goal of developing an accreditation process for construction workforce programs, such as apprenticeship programs, to recognize the importance of those programs in the realm of construction education. During 2020 and 2021, these standards, with an initial focus on Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), were created and approved. The Western States College of Construction (WSCC) and its Registered Apprenticeship Programs were the first pilot program to test the new standards. The site visit occurred in the Fall of 2021 and the Board accepted the recommendation of the visiting team to accredit WSCC and its RAPs in December 2021.
Scope
There are a variety of Construction Workforce Education Programs. To enter this space, the Construction Workforce Education Committee started by creating standards for accrediting apprenticeship Institutions that have one or more RAPs in good standing with the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (OA).
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ACCE hopes to expand the accreditation of Construction Workforce Education Programs beyond RAPs. To help ACCE determine the demand for expansion to other types of Construction Workforce Education Programs, please respond to the interest survey.
CWE Committee
The Construction Workforce Education Committee is composed of industry professionals and educators The Chair is Mr. Bill Good, Roofing Alliance, bgood1414@gmail.com and the Vice Chair is Dr. Mostafa Khattab, Western States College of Construction, mostafa@westernstatescollege.org. A list of current CWE committee members can be found here.
CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE EDUCATION (CWE) LEADERS’
PERSPECTIVES ON VALUE OF ACCE ACCREDITATION
“ACCE is a pioneer in Construction Workforce Education accreditation. Their efforts to partner with Department of Labor Registered Apprentice Programs will promote nationwide awareness for apprenticeship opportunities for individuals and institutions of higher education. Western States College of Construction is honored to be a part ACCE’s Construction Workforce Education endeavors!”
Heather Sherwood, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Western States College of Construction
“For years, our local and industry partners have searched for ways to promote the excellent career opportunities the apprenticeship training model provides. The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) is the country’s premier construction accreditation organization and the unquestioned leader in verifying the quality of construction education programs offered throughout the US. Their willingness to create accreditation pathways for US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs is invaluable. ACCE accreditation will lend much needed credibility to the rigorous apprenticeship training programs utilized here at Local 208 and around the country. Marian Wright Edelman was quoted as saying “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” By opening additional opportunities to individuals seeking rewarding and successful careers, ACCE without a shadow of a doubt will improve the lives of future pipefitters and make our communities a better place.”
Gary Arnold, Business Manager, Denver Pipefitters Local #208
Board of Directors Chair
Western States College of Construction
“The accreditation process with ACCE was thorough and enlightening. I knew we had a great program going into the process, and ACCE was able to capture the strengths of the program while offering advice on areas of missed opportunity. This insight was valuable in moving our program forward and improving our relationship with our customers.”
Dan Hendricks, Program Director
Denver & Grand Junction Electrical Campuses
Western States College of Construction