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Construction Skills Training Program

Build the skills. Earn credentials tuition-free. Start your construction career - fast.

With funding support from the Lennar Foundation, Ivy Tech Indianapolis launched the Construction Skills Training Program to help students gain foundational construction skills, industry-recognized credentials, and hands-on experience in just one semester.

Designed as a faster, more direct path into the construction workforce, the program prepares students for entry-level construction careers while also earning college credit - all tuition-free.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: FREE (made possible by the Lennar Foundation)

  • Length: One semester

  • College Credit: 9 credit hours

  • Credentials Earned: 3–4 nationally recognized certifications

  • Schedule: Monday–Thursday, approximately 4 hours per day

  • Cohorts: Morning and evening options

  • Location: Ivy Tech Indianapolis campus

APPLY TODAY

Students will meet with an advisor after completing the Ivy Tech online application. Or, they can visit our downtown campus and receive application assistance from an advisor.

Program Information

  • Students in the Construction Skills Training Program complete 9 credit hours and earn industry-recognized credentials that are valued by construction employers nationwide.

    Certifications include:

    • NCCER Core

    • NCCER Carpentry Level 1

    • OSHA 30

    Note: This program is not classified as a skilled trades course. It is a focused, short-term training experience designed to prepare students for entry-level roles.

  • The program is built to support momentum, consistency, and accessibility — especially for working adults and career changers.

    • Three core courses plus OSHA 30 training

    • Two cohorts per term (daytime and evening)

    • Classes meet Monday–Thursday, approximately four hours per day

    • Curriculum blends technical instruction, safety training, and career readiness preparation

  • The curriculum balances classroom learning with hands-on skill development, helping students understand both the physical and professional expectations of construction work.

    Students will build skills in:

    • Jobsite safety and OSHA standards

    • Construction math and measurement

    • Carpentry fundamentals and tools

    • Documentation and paperwork used in the field

    • Hands-on, physical skill building through guided instruction

  • Workforce Preparation (12 Hours)

    Recognizing the importance of soft-skills training in today’s construction workforce, BCTI-100 includes workforce preparation embedded directly into the curriculum.

    Students develop skills in:

    • Effective communication with co-workers and supervisors

    • Professional telephone and email communication

    • Relationship-building and self-presentation

    • Understanding workplace expectations, including:

      • Sexual harassment awareness

      • Stress management

      • Substance use awareness

    In addition, students receive one-on-one support from an Ivy Tech Career Coach, who provides guidance on:

    • Resume development

    • Interview preparation

    • Building a strong professional network

    NCCER Courses (192 Contact Hours)

    • BCTI 100 – Introduction to Construction Technology (3 Credits)
      • Covers the NCCER Core Curriculum and serves as a prerequisite for most construction courses. Topics include:
        • Basic safety
        • Communication skills
        • Introduction to construction drawings

    Students earn the NCCER Core Curriculum certificate and wallet card upon successful completion.

    • BCTI 101 – Introduction to Carpentry, Part 1 (3 Credits)
      • Covers the first half of NCCER Carpentry Level 1, including:
        • Building materials
        • Fasteners and adhesives
        • Hand and power tools
        • Layout and floor systems
    • BCTI 102 – Introduction to Carpentry, Part 2 (3 Credits)
      • Covers the second half of NCCER Carpentry Level 1, including:
        • Wall systems
        • Ceiling joists and roof framing
        • Basic stair layout
        • Building envelope systems

    Students earn the NCCER Carpentry Level 1 certificate and wallet card after completing both BCTI 101 and 102.

    Career Safe OSHA 30 (32 Hours)

    This course is designed for safety and supervisory personnel across industries and addresses on-the-job safety and health practices aligned with 29 CFR 1910 regulations.

    • Department of Labor OSHA 30 card included

    • Emphasizes real-world jobsite safety expectations

  • All Ivy Tech students have access to comprehensive support services included in the cost of tuition, designed to help them succeed both in and out of the classroom.

    Included Support Services

    • Academic advising

    • Tutoring

    • Career coaching

    • IvyCARES wrap-around support services, which support students with:

      • Emergency transportation assistance
      • Food security resources
      • Mental health resources
      • Technology assistance
      • Emergency aid funding

    These services are available to support students throughout their enrollment — not just during classes.

    • The first cohort begins on March 16 and runs through the summer session

    • A second set of cohorts launches during the fall semester

    • Moving forward, the program will operate with two cohorts each spring and two each fall, creating a sustainable workforce pipeline

    • Capacity goals:

      • 50 students per program period

      • 100 students annually

  • The Construction Skills Training Program is intentionally designed for a broad range of learners, including:

    • Individuals looking to upskill and gain immediate employment

    • Career changers seeking a short, focused training pathway

    • Those interested in starting or growing a construction-related business

    • Students who prefer hands-on, labor-focused career paths

    No prior construction experience is required!

  • No prerequisites required.

    To enroll, students must:

    • Complete the required program paperwork

    • Join the Building Talent Foundation (BTF)
      (This is a free requirement tied to program funding.)

    Getting started is simple:

    1. Apply to the Construction Skills Training Program

    2. Complete required paperwork

    3. Join the Building Talent Foundation

    4. Confirm your cohort and begin classes

    APPLY

A Faster Pathway Into Construction Careers

Historically, Ivy Tech Indianapolis has prepared students for construction careers through its Building Construction Management associate degree pathway. The 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 building a foundation for long-term growth.

This program is ideal for learners who want practical, job-ready skills without committing to a multi-year degree upfront — while still keeping the door open to continue their education later.

Industry-Recognized Training With Built-In Career Connections

Through collaboration with the Lennar Foundation and the Building Talent Foundation, Ivy Tech Indianapolis actively connects students with employment opportunities in construction and related fields.

This partnership ensures:

  • Training aligns with real workforce needs

  • Employers have access to a prepared talent pipeline

  • Students are supported as they transition from the classroom to the job site

Each semester concludes with:

  • A graduation celebration

  • A job fair, where students can meet employers, explore open positions, and begin building professional networks

READY TO BUILD YOUR FUTURE?

“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.”

If you’re interested in launching a career in construction — or gaining the foundational skills needed to advance in the field — we encourage you to apply today.

APPLY TO construction skills training program