Construction Education Foundation : Building A Stronger Workforce Through Training

The Ohio Valley Construction Education Foundation (OVCEF) is the educational arm of the Ohio Valley Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (OVABC) that provides training to build a stronger workforce.  The apprenticeship, craft, management and safety training programs are designed to develop the workforce to meet all needs of the industry.

The Apprenticeship program is an opportunity for new trainees to learn and understand the craft for which they are employed, and to reach the status of Journeyperson. During their training, apprentices work and document valuable on-the-job training (OJT) hours while attending formal classroom training classes at OVCEF approved sites.

Currently, OVCEF offers apprenticeship programs for the following trades:

• Carpentry
• Construction Craft Laborer
• Electrical
• HVAC
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Insulation
• Masonry
• Plumbing
• Pipefitter
• Sheet Metal
• Welding

Employees who become registered apprentices are:

• introduced to all aspects of their trade.
• committed to long term training plan.
• obtaining classroom training and hands on skills.
• more educated, productive and knowledgeable employees.
• obtaining necessary on-the-job training hours while attending classes.
• eligible for documented training and potential pay increases based on their OJT skills and progress while in the program.

Companies who participate in the Apprenticeship program can benefit from:

• more educated, productive and knowledgeable
   employees.
• trainees who learn their craft and become more
   flexible and well rounded employees.
• leadership skills developed for the workforce.

Applicants for the apprenticeship program must complete the registration process before obtaining their apprentice agreement from the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council (OSAC). Applicants are not considered registered apprentices until they have received their formal approved paperwork from OSAC.

Registered apprentices must complete the required on-the-job training (OJT) hours and classroom attendance hours before they are eligible to receive their certificate of completion.

Upon completion of a training program, apprentices may apply for their Certificate of Completion for credits towards a Skilled Trades degree at participating colleges and universities. This is done on an individual basis with colleges/universities giving credit for the technical part of their training toward a degree. OVCEF currently has articulation agreements with Hocking College, Sinclair Community College and Cincinnati State.

Craft Training opportunities continue to increase.
With an every growing industry, there is always a need to learn more about a craft thereby challenging OVCEF to meet the expanding need of the industry.

OVCEF continues to offer seminars in:

• Blueprint Reading
• Door & Hardware
• Lifts & Loaders
• Fire Alarm 
• Code Updates
• License Renewal
   

OVCEF can also develop specialized training classes that meet your needs.

Through accreditation with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), OVCEF can assist members in evaluating their workforce and developing a training program, to upgrade their skills.

Management programs offer individuals an avenue of continued growth in the industry. Whether completing an apprenticeship training program or additional training for skills upgrade, these programs are designed to benefit both the employer and employee.

* Free Business and Legal Seminars
Monthly programs address hot issues such as prevailing wage, sales taxes, mechanic’s liens, insurance issues, year end planning and much more.  Check the OVABC Chapter website for the latest program. 

*Supervisory Training and Leadership Development
Available programs provide training for all levels of supervisory personnel from basic crew leader skills, to foreman and superintendent training, including leadership development for upper management.

*Project Management
The Craft Leadership program provides a comprehensive overview of Project Management principles, designed to prepare field level personnel for transitioning into supervisory, scheduling, estimating, and management roles.

*Earn Credit toward an Associate Degree in Construction Management
Apply your apprenticeship training towards college credits at Sinclair Community College, Hocking College, or Cincinnati State, and then continue with classes to earn your Associates degree in Construction Management.

Safety Training is always on top of everyone’s list. OVCEF and the Safety Committee continue to develop and conduct classes that meet OSHA standards. Those programs include OSHA 10 Hour and OSHA 30 Hour safety courses; Train the Trainer courses, On-line courses, and specialized classes, for both the construction and general industry that are recognized by OSHA.

The development of these training programs is accomplished through the various trade committees and training council, which operates under OVCEF, and is made up of volunteers from the membership.

Those trade committees are:

• Carpentry (carpentry, commercial interior, floor layer, heavy equipment operator, ironworker, masonry, roofing, and welding trades)
• Electrical (electrical trade)
• Mechanical (HVAC, pipe fitter, plumbing, sheet metal, sprinkler fitter trades).

The Training Council is made up of representatives from the different trade committees and oversees the development and policies of the training programs.

The committees and council meet several times throughout the year to review the current programs and give direction to ensure the training meets today’s standards. Volunteers are encouraged to join one of the different committees to assist with the training of today’s workforce.

Instructors play an important part in the development of today’s workforce. The success of the training programs is due in part to a group of dedicated individuals who serve as classroom and craft training instructors.  Classroom instructors and S.M.E.’s (Subject Matter Experts) offer a real insight and knowledge of the trade to those students who are participating in the apprenticeship and craft training classes. OVCEF welcomes those members who want to be part of the excitement of training the workforce.

Outreach and new applicants to the apprenticeship program are accepted through the different registration and applications processes. OVCEF conducts testing for individuals who are seeking employment and training in the trade. We have teamed up with other organizations to further expand the diverse need in the workforce. They include area vocational schools, regional Job Center offices, Dayton and Cincinnati Urban Leagues, Veteran of Administration offices, ISUS of Dayton, Construction Craft Academy, to name a few.

A list of eligible students is made available to members
by the ABC office.