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January 27, 2025

Building the future: Core Plus Construction reshapes education and workforce development

  • The free curriculum teaches high school students essential construction industry skills such as safety, blueprint reading, tool handling and project management, and includes varied strategies to support diverse learning styles.
    • By SARAH PATTERSON
    AGC Education Foundation

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    Patterson

    In an era where workforce readiness and hands-on skills are crucial, Core Plus Construction is making a significant impact in Washington state. Developed by the AGC Education Foundation, this career and technical education (CTE) program aims to prepare high school students for careers in construction and related trades, while addressing the growing need for skilled workers in the industry.

    WHAT IS CORE PLUS CONSTRUCTION?

    Core Plus Construction offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers in construction by teaching essential skills such as safety, blueprint reading, tool handling, and project management. Graduates earn industry-recognized certifications, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce or further education.

    As a graduation pathway in Washington state, Core Plus Construction is available to all K-12 schools, including public, private and tribal compact schools, completely free of charge to both students and schools. By integrating academic content in math, science, and English, the program ensures that students meet graduation requirements while gaining real-world experience.

    Core Plus Construction is supported by grants administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), provided by legislative funding though growing demand highlights the need for continued legislative investment to expand the program statewide.

    MEETING WORKFORCE NEEDS

    Designed in collaboration with industry leaders and workforce specialists, Core Plus Construction aligns with the evolving needs of the construction sector. Feedback from employers and advisory committees ensures that the curriculum mirrors real-world job expectations, equipping students with the skills employers require. Core Plus Construction serves as a direct response to the industry’s labor shortage, preparing students for immediate employment upon graduation.

    INVESTING IN EDUCATORS

    Core Plus Construction’s commitment to excellence extends to its educators. The program provides ongoing professional development, equipping instructors with the tools, industry standards and best practices needed to teach effectively. By fostering industry-experienced instructors, Core Plus Construction ensures students receive instruction that prepares them to meet the demands of a fast-paced, dynamic field.

    CONTEXTUALIZED LEARNING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

    Core Plus Construction stands out for its immersive, hands-on approach to learning. By integrating core academic subjects directly into the curriculum, students see the immediate relevance of what they are learning.

    For example, in math, students calculate material quantities, interpret blueprints, and measure distances and angles for specific projects. In science, they apply principles of physics to understand the materials and tools they work with. English is integrated through technical writing, project planning, and safety documentation.

    This approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world challenges. The program reinforces academic skills and promotes the development of soft skills like communication, teamwork and leadership, which are essential in the workplace.

    RAPID GROWTH AND ADOPTION

    Since its state approval in March 2020, Core Plus Construction has grown rapidly. In just four years, over 90 school districts and 12 skill centers across Washington state have adopted the program. This swift adoption demonstrates the relevance and effectiveness of the program in addressing both student needs and the industry’s demand for skilled workers.

    However, the increasing demand for the program highlights an ongoing challenge: securing sufficient funding to meet this growth. Continued legislative investment is necessary to expand Core Plus Construction to more districts, particularly in underserved and rural areas where access to such programs may be limited.

    EQUITY AND ACCESS

    Core Plus Construction is committed to providing equitable access to all students. It ensures that students from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in the trades, have opportunities to succeed in the construction industry. By reaching underserved areas, Core Plus Construction ensures that students, regardless of their location, have access to high-quality education and career pathways.

    The development of Core Plus Construction curriculum and instructional resources is grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. UDL ensures that all students, including those with diverse learning needs, can engage with the material in a way that works best for them. The program incorporates multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement, providing varied formats, tools, and teaching strategies that support diverse learning styles. This commitment to UDL ensures that every student, regardless of their learning style or location, can succeed in the construction industry—an industry that values diverse skills and perspectives.

    STUDENT SUCCESS AND WORKFORCE READINESS

    Core Plus Construction is already demonstrating real-world results. In Spokane, for example, a high school senior who participated in the program turned a summer internship into an apprenticeship, securing full-time employment after graduation. Students who complete the program enter the workforce ahead of their peers, saving employers significant training costs—$5,000 to $15,000 per year per student in some cases.

    These outcomes are not just anecdotal. Students who complete two to three years of Core Plus

    Construction training graduate with hands-on experience, certifications and soft skills that set them apart in the competitive construction job market. The program’s success speaks to its ability to reduce the typical training time needed for new workers in the industry, allowing graduates to immediately contribute to projects and grow into leadership roles.

    INCORPORATING SOFT SKILLS TRAINING

    Beyond technical expertise, Core Plus Construction emphasizes the development of critical soft skills — skills that are just as essential for career success in the construction industry. Students are trained in communication, time management and decision-making — skills necessary for leadership and team collaboration.

    These skills, honed in the classroom and through hands-on experience, ensure students are not only job-ready but capable of thriving in high-pressure, team-oriented environments.

    LOOKING AHEAD: EXPANDING IMPACT

    Core Plus Construction’s rapid adoption is a testament to the program’s effectiveness, but its long-term impact depends on continued growth. In partnership with local trade schools and community colleges, Core Plus graduates can receive advanced placement into carpentry certification programs and construction management programs, further enhancing their career prospects.

    With the state’s construction industry facing a predicted shortage of over 30,000 workers, programs like Core Plus Construction are critical in bridging the gap. By continuing to invest in the next generation of construction professionals, Core Plus Construction is helping to build stronger communities and a more robust economy for Washington state.

    Core Plus Construction offers a proven model for workforce development that can be replicated across other industries facing similar labor shortages. With expanded funding and continued partnership between education and industry, Core Plus Construction will play a key role in shaping Washington’s construction workforce for years to come.

    Sarah Patterson is the workforce development director for the AGC of Washington's Education Foundation.


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