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
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Florida preparing to adjust to new building elevation requirements
New floodplain maps and state code changes loom.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Heated debate over whether Calif.’s prevailing wage requirement stymies affordable housing
There’s disagreement around how much pay regulations add to cost of projects.
Reconstruction & Renovation | May 30, 2017
Achieving deep energy retrofits in historic and modern-era buildings [AIA course]
Success in retrofit projects requires an entirely different mindset than in new construction, writes Randolph Croxton, FAIA, LEED AP, President of Croxton Collaborative Architects.
| May 24, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Applying machine learning to building design, Daniel Davis, WeWork
Daniel Davis offers a glimpse into the world at WeWork, and how his team is rethinking workplace design with the help of machine learning tools.
| May 24, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Learning from Silicon Valley - Using SaaS to automate AEC, Sean Parham, Aditazz
Sean Parham shares how Aditazz is shaking up the traditional design and construction approaches by applying lessons from the tech world.
AEC Tech | May 11, 2017
Accelerate Live!: Social media reactions from BD+C's AEC innovation conference
BD+C's inaugural Accelerate Live! innovation conference took place May 11, in Chicago.
Multifamily Housing | May 10, 2017
Triple Treat: Developer transforms mid-rise into unique live-work lofts
Novus Residences’ revolutionary e-lofts concept offers tenants a tempting trio of options—‘live,’ ‘live-work,’ or ‘work’—all on the same floor.
Sponsored | Building Team | May 8, 2017
The builder is the building: Finding the right builder
The most important factor in making sure the where, when, what, and how go smoothly is making sure you pick the right who.
Multifamily Housing | May 3, 2017
Silicon Valley’s high-tech oasis
An award-winning rental complex takes its design cues from its historic location in Silicon Valley.
Multifamily Housing | May 2, 2017
Multifamily housing: 7 exciting, inspiring innovations [AIA Course]
This AIA CES course features seven novel approaches developers and Building Teams are taking to respond to competitive pressures and build more quickly and with more attractive offerings.