Special Projects
Construction Skills Training
The need for skilled workers in the construction industry is growing. As the baby-boom generation of skilled-trade workers approaches retirement, the concern is that there won't be enough young workers trained to replace them. High schools had already moved their earlier focus on vocational and technical schools to almost entirely on preparing students for academic studies at 4-year universities. This was done without recognizing the balance that is needed and that trade schools can offer valuable skills that result in immediate employment with competitive salaries and benefits. This, coupled with the 2007-2009 recession that forced workers to leave the industry because there was no work, has forced some to say that the skilled labor shortage is probably the worst they have seen in many years. Labor shortages can be found throughout the industry, but are especially acute among skilled tradespeople such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. But even basic laborers are hard to find.
NRT has coordinated several construction skills training programs in the past and is committed to finding solutions to the labor shortage while providing career path opportunities for unemployed and underemployed individuals. In January 2020, NRT became an Accredited Training Sponsor in candidate status through the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).
Our Approach. Working in coordination with our many partners, including people resources, supportive services, funders and employers, a first step is the identification of candidates who meet eligibility requirements based on criteria that indicates the ability to complete construction skills training and not only begin a career path but stay employed for at least one year. We look at quantitative and behavioral skills as well as the ability to overcome employment barriers (driver’s license, transportation, housing, child care). Not every candidate will be ready for construction skills training immediately, but all will be offered as much assistance as possible to help in moving forward on a career path. NRT & Associates Inc. is of the firm belief that a training program has no value without guaranteed job placement and a living wage—thus, the reason we work with employers on the front side of training rather than at the end. Our goal is to change lives, create family stability and impact impoverished communities through employment.
Employment Database Management. NRT & Associates, Inc. has created a growing database of individuals unemployed or underemployed for referral to soft skills and hard skills training and immediate employment for those who are ready to go to work. Employment referrals are made to interested construction contractors on a regular basis.
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