PBA Secondary Endorsed Trade Program
PBA has launched an endorsement program for specific construction programs offered by secondary schools.
Listing of students skills test results ready
PBA members now have access to a listing of students who have achieved passing grades in endorsed program testing. This information is available to active PBA members only, so you will be asked for your username and password before downloading the lists.
Informational conference calls available
PBA conducts scheduled conference calls to explain the benefits of joining the Secondary Endorsed Trade Program. For more information on how to participate, please e-mail PBA at tradeendorsement@pabuilders.org.
Endorsed Trade Program overview
The program was developed to recognize superior construction programs in hopes of attracting qualified students to those programs, and to provide the members of PBA a level of assurance that students completing their training in endorsed programs have received instruction and training based on national skill standards in residential construction; thereby contributing to successful work force development for the homebuilding industry. Endorsed programs will include carpentry, electrical occupations, plumbing, masonry and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Skill sets for each trade area were determined using standards developed by the National Association of Home Builders.
SCHOOLS
This program is available for homebuilding-related trade programs offered by any Pennsylvania secondary school that meets PBA’s endorsement process. Schools must have prior program approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through its Bureau of Career and Technical Education. Specific programs eligible for PBA’s endorsement have been identified using the standard program CIP Codes.
Schools will be required to obtain the endorsement and must be aligned with a local Home Builders Association as part of the application process - there are 39 throughout Pennsylvania. Additionally, schools must have a NAHB Student Chapter.
As part of its affiliation with the student chapter, the local association will sponsor various activities for the student chapter members, including inviting students to its meetings and encouraging student chapter members to participate in association activities and/or events. The local association will encourage its members to serve on local occupational advisory committees, and to participate in students' year-end job-readiness assessments.
INSTRUCTORS
Lead instructors must hold a valid Pennsylvania Department of Education certification in the trade area being endorsed with a minimum of two years practical experience in residential construction and remain informed of the advances in construction technologies through trade related continuing education. There’s additional criteria for assistant instructors and technical staff.
EVALUATION PROCESS
Programs will be reviewed based on criteria established by the PBA which has been determined to provide an educational and training environment that will lead to a leadership role in construction.
The review team consists of peer educators and administrators from similar programs, post-secondary construction trade training providers, representatives of the residential construction industry and PBA. Upon completion of a program application, a team will review the application and appendices and schedule an on-site visit. At the conclusion of the site visit, the team will issue recommendations for endorsement to the PBA for review and consideration.
Program endorsement is for a term of three years. Fees are based on initial review, with discount for multiple programs under simultaneous consideration.
TESTING
Student completing their training will be assessed based upon the Department of Education-approved occupational competency assessment administered by the National Occupation Competency Testing Institute, or NOCTI. PBA and its members will serve as proctors in the performance component of the assessment.
BENEFITS TO STUDENTS AND PBA MEMBERS
Schools with endorsed programs will be authorized to include the PBA's Program Endorsement logo on the graduating certificates awarded to students in the endorsed program. Students achieving a competent, or higher, score on Pennsylvania's Occupational Competency Test shall also be eligible to receive a PBA Skills Certificate.
Association members will be able to verify certifications earned by graduating students through PBA's web site. In addition, members of sponsoring associations will be able to check with their local associations to get lists of skilled graduates looking for work.
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