To that end, our online testing system offers familiarity for the next generation of workers – true digital natives accustomed to technology – and ease of use for instructors and trainers. With over 1 million tests already processed through the system, the NCCER Testing System simplifies administrative duties, increases testing integrity and improves security.

In 2019, we delivered nearly 200 hours of webinar training to help organizations begin online testing and better learn other related NCCER digital resources. In addition, the testing system interface is translated into Spanish, French and Russian to support both domestic and global programs with non-English speaking students.

Proceeding with our digital transformation, we continue to update curriculum on a modular basis, as needed. When complete, this will allow for real-time content maintenance and ultimately more up-to-date curricula. Through 2019, over 70% of our curricula is now in digital form.

Recognizing that seven out of 10 jobs require less than a four-year degree, credentials remain a critical component of our industry’s workforce development system. To ensure the clarity and long-term integrity of NCCER credentials, the National Craft Assessment and Certification Program is transitioning our journeyman credential terminology. The highest-level certification credential offered by NCCER has been renamed from “Certified Plus” to simply “Certified.” The benefits and recognition currently provided by contractors and owners for this certification should remain the same since the process to obtain this credential has not changed.

With the primary goal of reaching and educating parents and influencers about the construction industry and its rewarding career opportunities, Build Your Future Today was launched in 2019. A study we conducted of parents’ opinions of career options for their children helped shape materials developed for Build Your Future Today. Resources available include the influencer-dedicated website (discover.byf.org), “Build Your Outreach: Research & Marketing Resource Guide” specifically for our industry, and social media campaign kits. The strides we have made in identifying barriers to entry for younger generations will only serve to allow us to reach new demographics of workers. In fact, the new influencer-dedicated website reached over 75,000 users in its first year while the resource guide has been downloaded over 300 times.

As the nation faces the retirement of its seasoned craft professionals, loss will also be felt throughout the leadership ranks of contractor, owner and service organizations. To this end, we welcomed Boyd Worsham as president in late 2018, and he has progressively assumed responsibility for the day-to-day operation and oversight of NCCER. Our succession plan will conclude in early 2021 as I retire after 30 years of service to NCCER.

As we move into 2020, I am confident of the great successes that NCCER and our industry will continue to accomplish together for many years to come. Looking forward, as I begin the final year of my NCCER journey, I do so knowing that I will leave NCCER in the hands of the capable leaders and talented staff that have helped make NCCER what it is today. I thank them for all they have done and know the future is bright for NCCER. Finally, I want to thank all of you for the distinct honor of serving you and this great industry!

Sincerely,

Donald E. Whyte
CEO