School Participation
Student Accepted
Yearly Internships
WITH A CAPACITY OF 250 STUDENTS, High School Juniors and Seniors, The Academy of Craft Training is a public/private partnership between the commercial construction industry and the State of Alabama’s K-12 Career and Technical Education System. Our mission is to recruit, educate and guide high school students for educational and employment opportunities in the construction industry. Our goal is to help these students get the education and skills they need to be entry-level, skilled workers in the construction industry. Students can learn directly from construction industry professionals in a workplace environment, work as interns with local construction companies and receive job offers upon graduation.
WITH A CAPACITY OF 250 STUDENTS, High School Juniors and Seniors, The Academy of Craft Training is a public/private partnership between the commercial construction industry and the State of Alabama’s K-12 Career and Technical Education System. Our mission is to recruit, educate and guide high school students for educational and employment opportunities in the construction industry. Our goal is to help these students get the education and skills they need to be entry-level, skilled workers in the construction industry. Students can learn directly from construction industry professionals in a workplace environment, work as interns with local construction companies and receive job offers upon graduation.
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments.
Install and maintain the electrical systems and wiring in our businesses, factories and homes. Blueprints are used to determine the location of circuits, outlets, load centers and panel boards, while ohmmeters, ammeters, voltmeters and other equipment are used to test connections and ensure that components are compatible and safe.
Install, service and repair heating and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings, including sheet metal ductwork.
Build stone structures, such as piers, walls, and abutments. Lay walks, curbstones, or special types of masonry for vats, tanks, and floors.
Needed in many areas of commercial construction from structural welding for steel erection to mechanical piping systems. Welding also requires math skills and the ability to read detailed spec sheets and blue prints.
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying, and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments.
Install and maintain the electrical systems and wiring in our businesses, factories and homes. Blueprints are used to determine the location of circuits, outlets, load centers and panel boards, while ohmmeters, ammeters, voltmeters and other equipment are used to test connections and ensure that components are compatible and safe.
Install, service and repair heating and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings, including sheet metal ductwork.
Build stone structures, such as piers, walls, and abutments. Lay walks, curbstones, or special types of masonry for vats, tanks, and floors.
Needed in many areas of commercial construction from structural welding for steel erection to mechanical piping systems. Welding also requires math skills and the ability to read detailed spec sheets and blue prints.
ACADEMY OF CRAFT TRAINING UTILIZES NCCER CURRICULUM The craft areas utilize The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum for each specific craft area. NCCER was developed with the support of more than 125 construction CEOs and various association and academic leaders who united to revolutionize training for the construction industry. Sharing the common goal of developing a safe and productive workforce, these companies created a standardized training and credentialing program for the industry.
NCCER ALLOWS CREDITS TO BE EARNED The Academy of Craft Training offers an unique opportunity for first year students in the program to receive 3 credits at the end of the school year. The students will participate in courses each semester pertaining to their skill of interest as well as receive a math credit. This math credit will count as their fourth math and will meet the requirements for the Alabama High School Diploma. Please refer to the example to the right to give you a better idea of how ones schedule would look.
ACADEMY OF CRAFT TRAINING
UTILIZES NCCER CURRICULUM
The craft areas utilize The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum for each specific craft area. NCCER was developed with the support of more than 125 construction CEOs and various association and academic leaders who united to revolutionize training for the construction industry. Sharing the common goal of developing a safe and productive workforce, these companies created a standardized training and credentialing program for the industry.
NCCER ALLOWS CREDITS TO BE EARNED
The Academy of Craft Training offers an unique opportunity for first year students in the program to receive 3 credits at the end of the school year. The students will participate in courses each semester pertaining to their skill of interest as well as receive a math credit. This math credit will count as their fourth math and will meet the requirements for the Alabama High School Diploma. Please refer to the example to the right to give you a better idea of how ones schedule would look.
I spent twenty-two years in the electrical industry as a journeyman wireman, estimator, and project manager. I got firsthand understanding of the program at ACT while checking on students from Vestavia Hills High School. These visits allowed me to meet the instructors and get to know the leadership. When I retired from education (2020), the leadership offered me the opportunity to work part time as an instructor and it's been a great fit.
I attended the Academy of Craft Training (ACT) in the 2017-2018 school year. In 2018, one week after high school graduation, I began my career in the construction industry with Brasfield and Gorrie. I traveled throughout the Southeast with opportunities to work on big-name jobs, such as Protective Stadium, Alabama Theater, Google and many more! In 2022, I was given the opportunity to come back to the Academy as the welding instructor. I have always been passionate about ACT and the opportunities received throughout the program. I am excited about coming back to mentor students and giving them the same opportunities I experienced.
I started working in commercial construction as an apprentice carpenter in 1997. Later in my career while working for a commercial construction company, I created an in-house four-year carpenter apprenticeship program that was certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, and I taught most of those classes for about seven years while working there. Knowing that and having a background in teaching carpentry classes made the decision to teach at the Academy a natural fit for me.
I started in construction in 1989 and began educating construction students in 2016. I have been a licensed HVAC contractor for 22 years and a HVACR instructor for six. years. I was blessed with the opportunity to help with the startup of ACT in 2016 and consider it a great opportunity to help train tomorrow's workforce.
I started working in construction with my grandfather and my uncles when I was 12 years old. They worked in the construction industry for most of their lives, and I was able to work with them during the summers. I attended and graduated from Alabama A&M University with an electrical engineering degree and began my professional career with South Central Bell, where I worked for more than 28 years. I was offered an opportunity to come and teach at the Academy of Craft Training for a summer class and have been a part of the ACT team since 2019.
I began in construction in 1968 and education in 1992. I joined the Academy of Craft Training as the electrical instructor in 2016. Harris previously served two years as adjunct professor for electrical technology at Gadsden State Community College. Prior to that, he served as an instructor at Calhoun County Career Technical Center. While there, he led classes to earn 20 Skills USA medals, 100 percent membership in Skills USA, and three student entries to Skills USA national competitions. I have recently been awarded Calhoun County Career Technical School Teacher of the Year, the Alabama Skills USA Honorary Life Membership Award, and Associated Builders and Contractors 2022 National Teacher of the Year.
I spent twenty-two years in the electrical industry as a journeyman wireman, estimator, and project manager. I got firsthand understanding of the program at ACT while checking on students from Vestavia Hills High School. These visits allowed me to meet the instructors and get to know the leadership. When I retired from education (2020), the leadership offered me the opportunity to work part time as an instructor and it's been a great fit.
I began in construction in 1968 and education in 1992. I joined the Academy of Craft Training as the electrical instructor in 2016. Harris previously served two years as adjunct professor for electrical technology at Gadsden State Community College. Prior to that, he served as an instructor at Calhoun County Career Technical Center. While there, he led classes to earn 20 Skills USA medals, 100 percent membership in Skills USA, and three student entries to Skills USA national competitions. I have recently been awarded Calhoun County Career Technical School Teacher of the Year, the Alabama Skills USA Honorary Life Membership Award, and Associated Builders and Contractors 2022 National Teacher of the Year.
I started working in commercial construction as an apprentice carpenter in 1997. Later in my career while working for a commercial construction company, I created an in-house four-year carpenter apprenticeship program that was certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, and I taught most of those classes for about seven years while working there. Knowing that and having a background in teaching carpentry classes made the decision to teach at the Academy a natural fit for me.
I started in construction in 1989 and began educating construction students in 2016. I have been a licensed HVAC contractor for 22 years and a HVACR instructor for six. years. I was blessed with the opportunity to help with the startup of ACT in 2016 and consider it a great opportunity to help train tomorrow's workforce.
I attended the Academy of Craft Training (ACT) in the 2017-2018 school year. In 2018, one week after high school graduation, I began my career in the construction industry with Brasfield and Gorrie. I traveled throughout the Southeast with opportunities to work on big-name jobs, such as Protective Stadium, Alabama Theater, Google and many more! In 2022, I was given the opportunity to come back to the Academy as the welding instructor. I have always been passionate about ACT and the opportunities received throughout the program. I am excited about coming back to mentor students and giving them the same opportunities I experienced.
I started working in construction with my grandfather and my uncles when I was 12 years old. They worked in the construction industry for most of their lives, and I was able to work with them during the summers. I attended and graduated from Alabama A&M University with an electrical engineering degree and began my professional career with South Central Bell, where I worked for more than 28 years. I was offered an opportunity to come and teach at the Academy of Craft Training for a summer class and have been a part of the ACT team since 2019.
I spent twenty-two years in the electrical industry as a journeyman wireman, estimator, and project manager. I got firsthand understanding of the program at ACT while checking on students from Vestavia Hills High School. These visits allowed me to meet the instructors and get to know the leadership. When I retired from education (2020), the leadership offered me the opportunity to work part time as an instructor and it's been a great fit.
I started in construction in 1989 and began educating construction students in 2016. I have been a licensed HVAC contractor for 22 years and a HVACR instructor for six. years. I was blessed with the opportunity to help with the startup of ACT in 2016 and consider it a great opportunity to help train tomorrow's workforce.
I attended the Academy of Craft Training (ACT) in the 2017-2018 school year. In 2018, one week after high school graduation, I began my career in the construction industry with Brasfield and Gorrie. I traveled throughout the Southeast with opportunities to work on big-name jobs, such as Protective Stadium, Alabama Theater, Google and many more! In 2022, I was given the opportunity to come back to the Academy as the welding instructor. I have always been passionate about ACT and the opportunities received throughout the program. I am excited about coming back to mentor students and giving them the same opportunities I experienced.
I started working in construction with my grandfather and my uncles when I was 12 years old. They worked in the construction industry for most of their lives, and I was able to work with them during the summers. I attended and graduated from Alabama A&M University with an electrical engineering degree and began my professional career with South Central Bell, where I worked for more than 28 years. I was offered an opportunity to come and teach at the Academy of Craft Training for a summer class and have been a part of the ACT team since 2019.
I started working in commercial construction as an apprentice carpenter in 1997. Later in my career while working for a commercial construction company, I created an in-house four-year carpenter apprenticeship program that was certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, and I taught most of those classes for about seven years while working there. Knowing that and having a background in teaching carpentry classes made the decision to teach at the Academy a natural fit for me.
I began in construction in 1968 and education in 1992. I joined the Academy of Craft Training as the electrical instructor in 2016. Harris previously served two years as adjunct professor for electrical technology at Gadsden State Community College. Prior to that, he served as an instructor at Calhoun County Career Technical Center. While there, he led classes to earn 20 Skills USA medals, 100 percent membership in Skills USA, and three student entries to Skills USA national competitions. I have recently been awarded Calhoun County Career Technical School Teacher of the Year, the Alabama Skills USA Honorary Life Membership Award, and Associated Builders and Contractors 2022 National Teacher of the Year.
In 2005, I started working as a school counselor at a local middle school in my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. I have had the pleasure of working with students in all developmental stages and from various backgrounds for the last 18 years. I am currently working on my doctorate, and my passion is mentoring youth to ensure success in the school environment. I was recruited to help pilot the program in 2016 to help assist the schools and students with this new exciting opportunity. This program has been life-changing for many of our students and I am fortunate to be a part of their process!
I started as a classroom teacher and became an administrator in 2005 with Jefferson County Schools. In 2010, I accepted an administrative position at Shades Valley Technical Academies, and it was there that I realized that career/technical education can transform high school into a launching pad for students in their future career. I am passionate about the ACT because our program goals are consistent with my goals as a professional. I love helping students connect to their future and watching them grow into professionals who know how to get a job, keep a job, and advance!
In 2005, I started working as a school counselor at a local middle school in my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. I have had the pleasure of working with students in all developmental stages and from various backgrounds for the last 18 years. I am currently working on my doctorate, and my passion is mentoring youth to ensure success in the school environment. I was recruited to help pilot the program in 2016 to help assist the schools and students with this new exciting opportunity. This program has been life-changing for many of our students and I am fortunate to be a part of their process!
I started as a classroom teacher and became an administrator in 2005 with Jefferson County Schools. In 2010, I accepted an administrative position at Shades Valley Technical Academies, and it was there that I realized that career/technical education can transform high school into a launching pad for students in their future career. I am passionate about the ACT because our program goals are consistent with my goals as a professional. I love helping students connect to their future and watching them grow into professionals who know how to get a job, keep a job, and advance!
In 2005, I started working as a school counselor at a local middle school in my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. I have had the pleasure of working with students in all developmental stages and from various backgrounds for the last 18 years. I am currently working on my doctorate, and my passion is mentoring youth to ensure success in the school environment. I was recruited to help pilot the program in 2016 to help assist the schools and students with this new exciting opportunity. This program has been life-changing for many of our students and I am fortunate to be a part of their process!
I started as a classroom teacher and became an administrator in 2005 with Jefferson County Schools. In 2010, I accepted an administrative position at Shades Valley Technical Academies, and it was there that I realized that career/technical education can transform high school into a launching pad for students in their future career. I am passionate about the ACT because our program goals are consistent with my goals as a professional. I love helping students connect to their future and watching them grow into professionals who know how to get a job, keep a job, and advance!