Amid a persistent skilled labor shortage that continues to challenge the building sector, constrain housing supply and exacerbate affordability, Katerra, a technology company redefining the construction industry, today announced it has launched a new apprenticeship program that offers the necessary training and skills for the future of construction. Registered with and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, credentials earned through the Katerra Apprenticeship Program are portable and recognized in all U.S. states and three territories.
The Katerra Apprenticeship Program offers a combination of technical classroom instruction and hands-on training for a variety of trade occupations including carpentry, plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Apprenticeships for other occupations are anticipated in the future. The educational curriculum associated with each of Katerra’s programs is accredited through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). While individual programs vary depending on the complexity of the occupation, all Katerra apprenticeship programs require approximately 144 hours of technical instruction per year and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training.
“Katerra is leading the construction industry in the application of new technologies and methodologies to deliver better quality buildings faster and more efficiently,” said Samantha Rist, head of self-perform at Katerra. “We developed our apprenticeship program to train the next generation of construction workers to use cutting-edge tools and the latest technology. Now, Katerra apprentices can gain portable credentials for use throughout their careers, at Katerra and beyond.”
As part of the program, Katerra offers a series of week-long boot camps at its state-of-the-art factories for related technical instruction training modules. The boot camps – delivered in both English and Spanish – are designed to ensure each participant receives individualized support. English-as-Second Language (ESL) classes are also offered.
“The lack of skilled laborers is one of the biggest challenges the building sector faces,” said NAHB Chairman Greg Ugalde, a home builder and developer from Torrington, Conn. “Apprenticeship programs like Katerra’s that offer portable credentials and teach new technologies are important as the industry seeks to broaden recruitment and increase interest in construction as a career.”
To ensure equal opportunity for training and development in the construction industry, Katerra partners with local organizations in the areas where it operates to recruit for its apprenticeship programs, including from local high schools, workforce development programs, the military, and general industry. Interested candidates can apply for employment at Katerra’s website.
Related Stories
| Feb 5, 2014
Multifamily Housing, Green Building, Market Trends, Innovation to be Prime Topics at MBI’s World of Modular
More than 600 developers, contractors, architects, builders, dealers and equipment/service suppliers are expected at the event, slated for March 21-24 in San Antonio, Texas, and hosted by the Modular Building Institute.
| Feb 5, 2014
Hill International's Board of Directors Approves Leadership Succession Plan
Hill International the global leader in managing construction risk, announced today that the company's Board of Directors has approved a leadership succession plan that will allow for the transition of the Chief Executive Officer position at the end of this year. Effective December 31, 2014, Irvin E. Richter, Hill's Chairman and CEO, will relinquish the CEO title but will remain with the company as Chairman. At the same time, David L. Richter, currently Hill's President and Chief Operating Officer, will become President and CEO.
| Feb 5, 2014
7 towers that define the 'skinny skyscraper' boom [slideshow]
Recent advancements in structural design, combined with the loosening of density and zoning requirements, has opened the door for the so-called "superslim skyscraper."
| Feb 4, 2014
World's fifth 'living building' certified at Smith College [slideshow]
The Bechtel Environmental Classroom utilizes solar power, composting toilets, and an energy recovery system, among other sustainable strategies, to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 4, 2014
Must see: Student housing complex made with recycled shipping containers
Architect Christian Salvati's new structure is just the first step in bringing shipping container construction to New Haven, Conn.
| Jan 31, 2014
LEGO, Google partner to develop 3D modeling tool for LEGO structures
The free tool, called Build, allows Chrome users to create virtual 3D structures using any shape and color in the LEGO catalog.
| Jan 31, 2014
Ultra-modern McDonald's restaurant voted one of world's best new buildings
This McDonald's, which is combined with a fuel station and recreation areas, was awarded the Best Commercial Building of the Year by architecture website ArchDaily.
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 30, 2014
Mayors of 10 metros unite to cut building-related climate pollution
Organizers say combined initiative could cut as much climate-change pollution as generated by 1 million cars every year, and lower energy bills by nearly $1 billion annually.
| Jan 30, 2014
See how architects at NBBJ are using computational design to calculate the best views on projects [video]
In an ideal world, every office employee would have a beautiful view from his or her desk. While no one can make that happen in real life, computational design can help architects maximize views from every angle.
