The NCCER Core Curriculum provides the essential safety knowledge, practical trade skills, and foundational techniques required to launch a career in construction and industrial trades. Serving as the mandatory prerequisite for all advanced National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level 1 craft programs, this 12-week hybrid course equips trainees with industry-recognized credentials valued by commercial and industrial employers nationwide.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award / Credential | FastForward Workforce Credential / National NCCER Core Certification |
| Course Duration | 12 Weeks (Hybrid Format) |
| Total Instructional Hours | 96 Total Hours (48 Hours Lab/Classroom + 48 Hours Online Homework) |
| Schedule | 4-Hour Weekly In-Person Evening Lab + Online Modules |
| Funding Eligibility | FastForward Eligible (Pays 2/3 of tuition for eligible VA residents) |
| Prerequisites | No formal academic or trade experience required (8th-grade math/reading recommended) |
| Career Coach | Robin Jennings — rjennings@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2899 |
💰 FastForward Financial Assistance Available — Pay Only 1/3 Tuition
Qualifying Virginia residents can receive FastForward state funding, which covers two-thirds of the tuition cost for this high-demand skilled trades credential. Contact our FastForward Career Coach to verify eligibility and register.
What You Will Learn
Trainees master fundamental trade competencies through hands-on laboratory exercises and interactive online modules:
- Basic Construction Safety: Complete comprehensive safety training aligned with OSHA standards, hazard recognition, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Construction Math: Apply practical trade mathematics, measurements, unit conversions, and geometric calculations used on job sites.
- Hand & Power Tool Safety: Safely operate, inspect, and maintain essential hand and power tools common across construction crafts.
- Construction Drawings & Blueprints: Interpret basic architectural blueprints, technical drawings, structural symbols, and specifications.
- Basic Rigging & Material Handling: Learn safe rigging equipment handling, load inspection, slings, hardware, and material transport procedures.
- Communication & Employability Skills: Develop critical communication techniques, professional work habits, teamwork skills, and job readiness.
Program Structure & Requirements
This course is delivered in a 12-week hybrid format designed to accommodate working adults:
- In-Person Lab Training (48 Hours): Attend one 4-hour evening class per week for hands-on tool instruction, rigging practice, and instructor-led evaluations in the MGCC trade labs.
- Online Coursework (48 Hours): Complete interactive homework assignments, module readings, and practice quizzes before each weekly class meeting.
- Entry Requirements: Open to all individuals with no prior trade experience or academic prerequisites required. An 8th-grade competence level in reading and basic mathematics is recommended.
Career Pathways & Advanced NCCER Credentials
Earning your NCCER Core Certification places your credentials into the official NCCER National Registry and opens the door to specialized trade apprenticeships:
Advanced NCCER Craft Tracks at MGCC:
- Electrical Wiring & Instrumentation
- Welding & Fabrication Technology
- HVAC / Building Systems Maintenance
- Carpentry & Commercial Construction
- Pipefitting & Plumbing Trades
Program Registration & Contact
Ready to build your foundation in the skilled trades or check your FastForward eligibility? Contact our Workforce Career Coach:
Robin Jennings — FastForward Career Coach
Phone: (540) 863-2899 | Email: rjennings@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)