Dabney S. Lancaster Community College has been designated an Accredited Training and Education Facility by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.

The center is a nonprofit foundation that offers training curricula in more than 60 craft areas, as well as assessment exams.

Here is the full press release from the college:

Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC) has been designated an Accredited Training and Education Facility (ATEF) under the auspices of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The announcement was made by Tom Cecere, Apprenticeship Related Instruction Specialist with Workforce Development Services for the Virginia Community College System. The VCCS is an authorized training sponsor for NCCER.

NCCER is a not-for-profit education foundation originally created to develop industry-driven standardized craft training programs with portable credentials to help address the critical workforce shortage facing the construction industry. NCCER currently offers training curricula in over 60 craft areas and offers over 70 assessment exams to meet emerging workforce needs.

“DSLCC chose to partner with NCCER after extensive research including visits to other colleges and organizations that use the NCCER training program,” says Gary Keener, Vice President of DSLCC Continuing Education and Workforce Services.  “NCCER provides DSLCC the flexibility to offer training in a variety of maintenance craft areas.   NCCER provides students and craft professionals with industry-recognized credentials and assures national portability of skills, by maintaining a credentialing and certification system through its online National Registry. The online database tracks both training and/or assessments for its participants.  We at DSLCC think it is very important to provide participants easy verification of training completed for current or potential employers.”

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VDLI) recognizes NCCER training as satisfying the required related instruction portion of apprenticeship training. As the agency that oversees registered apprenticeships in the Commonwealth, the VDLI is charged with making Virginia the best possible place in which to conduct business and use best employment practices. NCCER’s high standards clearly complement the mission of the VDLI.

In addition to being an ATEF, DSLCC has three certified NCCER Master Trainers on staff. Master Trainer is the highest individual training designation offered by NCCER. Earl Dodrill, Doug Jones and Mike Wade completed the training and testing requirements during the 2012 summer session to receive the designation. Also, the college has several certified craft specialty trainers and is the process of training additional individuals. Dodrill, Coordinator of Workforce Development for DSLCC, will serve as the NCCER project coordinator.

The first classes, to feature millwright training, will start on the DSLCC Clifton Forge campus this spring 2013 semester, which begins Jan. 7. Registration for the spring semester begins Thursday, Nov.  1. Classes will be limited in size. For more information about NCCER-related classes, contact Dodrill at 540-863-2902 or email edodrill@dslcc.edu.