MoreThe American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) recently selected the NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF) as a provider of quality continuing education based on the content and value of its Certified Construction Associate (CCA) program.
The six-part CCA program covers a variety of construction fundamentals including business analysis, construction environs, construction principles, effective communication, labor relations and management techniques.
Dr. Roger Liska, chairman of the Dept. of Construction Science and Management at Clemson University, and long-time NEF trustee and supporter, said that this recent recognition by ACCE is like a "Good Housekeeping Stamp of Approval" from an internationally recognized accreditation agency for construction education. Both Liska and Carol Kueker, CCA, CIT, CDS and a NEF trustee have been key players in working with ACCE to get recognition for NEF's programs.
The ACCE accredits construction education programs in colleges and universities that request its evaluation and meet its high standards and criteria. It is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the accrediting agency for four-year baccalaureate degree programs in addition to two-year associate-degree programs in construction and construction-related areas. Currently, ACCE's Non-Degree Task Force is assessing the results of recent pilot projects to determine standards and criteria for recognizing non-degree programs, such as NEF's. Once the guidelines are in place, this will open the door for other organizations to be recognized as quality program providers. In the future, NEF plans to be recognized as a provider of quality programs for the CIT and CDS programs as well.
Achieving quality program provider status is no easy feat, according to Mike Holland, executive director of ACCE.
"To achieve "recognition' from ACCE, both the provider and the program have to meet extremely high standards and maintain those standards over time," he said. Holland said he was impressed with NEF's role in serving as a pioneer in construction education through its programs, which have gained industry-wide support and popularity.
NEF President Pat Callicotte, CCA, said the recognition by ACCE is a great accomplishment for the Foundation. Gaining the recent "ACCE provider" status, she believes, will help attract more non-members to NEF's educational programs.
The NAWIC Education Foundation was founded in 1972 by volunteers from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) who saw a need for quality training programs in the construction industry. Based in Raleigh, N.C., NEF is responsible for administering a variety of K-12 programs that help educate today's youth to pursue construction careers. In addition, NEF offers a full range of self-study courses for adults. NEF maintains partnering agreements with various education-related organizations that allow it to expand its offerings of educational courses, many of which are offered online. NEF is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) 3 non-profit educational foundation to which tax-deductible contributions can be made.
The core purpose of the NAWIC Education Foundation is to educate the construction industry and foster the workforce of tomorrow. Its goals are to provide quality education programs for the construction industry and to promote the benefits of a career in the industry.
Source: NAWIC, August 26, 2005Links
