Ivy Tech Indianapolis is expanding its construction education offerings through a new partnership with the Lennar Foundation, launching a Construction Skills Training Program designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the construction industry.
Building on Ivy Tech’s long-standing Building Construction Management program, this new certificate-based training option creates a faster, more direct on-ramp into the workforce. The program allows students to gain foundational construction skills, industry-recognized credentials, and hands-on experience in one semester, helping meet the growing demand for skilled construction professionals across Indiana.
A Faster Pathway Into Construction Careers
Historically, Ivy Tech Indianapolis has prepared students for construction careers through its associate degree pathway. The launch of this new Construction Skills Training Program expands those opportunities by offering a short-term credential designed for individuals who want to enter the field quickly while still earning college credit.
The program will support 100 students over two program periods, with each period consisting of two cohorts totaling 50 students. One cohort will attend classes during the day, while the other will attend in the evening—providing flexible scheduling options for working adults and career changers.
The first two cohorts will begin on March 16 and run through the summer session. The second set of cohorts will launch during the fall semester. Following the initial launch, the program is structured to operate with two cohorts each fall and two each spring, creating a sustainable, ongoing workforce pipeline.
Classes will be held Monday through Thursday, with students completing a comprehensive curriculum that combines technical instruction, safety training, and career readiness preparation.
Industry-Recognized Training With Built-In Career Connections
Students in the Construction Skills Training Program will complete industry-aligned coursework that includes construction fundamentals, carpentry training, safety instruction, and soft skills development. In addition to earning college credit, students will graduate with credentials that are recognized and valued by construction employers.
Through collaboration with the Lennar Foundation and the Building Talent Foundation, Ivy Tech Indianapolis will actively connect students with employment opportunities in construction and related fields. This partnership ensures that training is aligned with workforce needs and that students are supported as they transition from the classroom to the job site.
Each semester will conclude with a graduation celebration and job fair, giving students the opportunity to meet directly with employers, learn about open positions, and begin building professional networks within the construction industry. These events are designed to support graduates’ entry into the workforce and strengthen connections between employers and emerging talent.
The program’s goal is an 85% completion and job placement rate, reflecting Ivy Tech’s commitment to student success and workforce impact.
“Our goal is not just to train students, but to prepare them for real jobs in a high-demand industry,” said Mark Richards, dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. “This program reflects what happens when education and industry come together — students gain the skills employers need, and employers gain access to a strong, well-prepared talent pipeline.”
Apply to the Construction Skills Training Program
Individuals interested in launching a career in construction—or gaining the foundational skills needed to advance in the field—are encouraged to apply.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
