Building Trades

About

The Building Trades CTE program meets the job needs of the Philadelphia area. Jobs in facility maintenance are expected to grow by 6% by 2024.* This program provides skills needed for the building trades, property maintenance, and construction field. Students gain relevant classroom, and hands-on experience in carpentry, construction management, facility maintenance, electricity, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing. The program is designed to build a strong work ethic and employable skills.

In their senior year, approximately 50% to 75% of students are employed in a co-op position.

* U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics

Certifications

• National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) in core curriculum
  • 92% of students earned certification over last 5 years
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30
  • 93% of students earned certification since 2015
• First Aid & CPR/AED
  • 95% of students earned their certifications in 2022
  • 100% of 11th graders earned their cert in 2024 with 50% of seniors (some opt out for co-op)
• Shop instructor is NCCER Certified 

• Students are now tested and scored by NOCTI

Destinations

• Williamson College of the Trades
• Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology 
• Full-time employment with companies such as Campus Apartments, Elliott Lewis, PTR Baler & Compactor, and University City Housing
• Apprenticeships with various trade unions
• Four-year colleges such as Cabrini University
• Two-year colleges such as Community College of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania College of Technology