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Construction and Skilled Trades Career Pathway

Overview

The COCD Construction and Skilled Trades Career Pathway is an “employer-aligned and employer-validated” approach designed in direct response to jobsite expectations, safety standards, and registered apprenticeship pathways.

Purpose

The pathway treats language and workplace readiness as “jobsite infrastructure,” not classroom instruction. Training is structured to ensure workers can meet “real employer expectations,” follow instructions accurately, communicate hazards and changes, understand safety requirements, and function reliably on active construction sites from day one. Trades which are aligned to this program include:

  • Electrician
  • Plumber / Pipefitter
  • Carpenter
  • Roofer
  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Operating Engineer
  • Insulation / Boilermaking

Levels and Courses

Level 1: Jobsite Safety and Functional Readiness

  • Graduates function safely and reliably on active jobsites
  • Follow jobsite instructions and commands as issued
  • Communicate hazards, injuries, and immediate needs clearly
  • Demonstrate PPE, OSHA-aligned safety awareness, and lockout/tagout language
  • Read and interpret signs, labels, plans, and safety documentation
  • Apply foundational jobsite math and measurement language
  • Outcome: Employer-ready for pre-apprenticeships or helper roles with reduced safety risk

Level 2: Role-Based Trade Readiness

  • Graduates navigate assigned trade roles with confidence and growing independence
  • Communicate effectively with journeymen, foremen, and crew members
  • Use trade-specific vocabulary accurately (electrical, plumbing, roofing, carpentry, etc.)
  • Interpret work orders, schedules, and material lists
  • Ask clarifying questions and report progress or issues accurately
  • Adapt to task changes while maintaining safety and quality standards
  • Outcome: Employer-validated readiness for paid registered apprenticeships and consistent jobsite productivity

Level 3: Advanced Jobsite Communication & Situational Awareness

  • Graduates demonstrate advanced communication, multitasking agility, and situational awareness in complex jobsite environments
  • Communicate across multiple crews, trades, and supervisors
  • Anticipate workflow conflicts, safety risks, and material needs
  • Manage rapid instruction changes in high-risk or fast-paced settings
  • Participate confidently in toolbox talks, inspections, and briefings
  • Document work, incidents, and compliance requirements clearly
  • Outcome: Positioned for long-term apprenticeship success, leadership growth, and wage progression

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT & INVESTMENT

  • $3,250 per participant | 12 weeks | 300 instructional hours
  • Training competencies validated with employer input
  • Alignment with tuition assistance and workforce reimbursement programs
  • COCD manages coordination, instruction, assessment, and documentation
  • Employer role focused on normal onboarding procedures—not training administration