The Council on Occupation Education (COE), reaccredited HFIAW Local 14 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) after completing a rigorous process that ensures training programs meet the highest quality standards.
CEO is a national accrediting agency of higher education institutions. To maintain COE accreditation, training programs must demonstrate compliance with the organization's 10 standards which cover:
- Institutional mission
- Educational programs
- Program outcomes
- Strategic planning
- Learning resources
- Institutional infrastructure
- Financial resources
- Human resources
- Organizational structure
- Student services
Local 14 Training Coordinator Edward Krawczyk said the recertification process was challenging but rewarding.
"The self-evaluation process helped us to identify areas where we could improve our curriculum and delivery," he said. "We also made several specific changes to ensure that our program aligns with COE's standards and expectations, such as developing new written policies and updating our curriculum."
One of Local 14's most significant changes was developing a new curriculum for its apprenticeship program. The new curriculum is more aligned with the needs of the industry and better prepares apprentices for the jobs they will be doing after they graduate, Krawczyk added.
The Local 14 JATC also made several changes to its program delivery methods. For example, the Training Center now offers more online and hybrid courses, which makes it easier for apprentices to complete their training while working full-time jobs.
The COE visiting team was impressed with Local 14 JATC's training program and the changes made in recent years.
COE noted in their report that Local 14 JATC is a "well-run and effective training program committed to providing its apprentices with the highest quality education possible."
Apprentice feedback plays an essential role in the COE recertification process. The COE visiting team interviewed apprentices about the program during the site visit. Apprentices also complete an evaluation of each course they complete throughout their entire apprenticeship.
"We use their feedback to improve our program and ensure that we meet their needs," Krawczyk said. "For example, in recent years, apprentices have asked for more hands-on training. Our JATC has responded to this by adding more hands-on exercises to its curriculum."
Local 14 JATC also collaborated with other departments and organizations, such as local education agencies and industry partners, to ensure a successful recertification process. This also included consulting other apprenticeship programs accredited by COE to share best practices and learn from each other.
The JATC consulted some of Local 14's signatory contractors to ensure its curriculum is aligned with the needs of the industry. This led to developing new training modules to provide apprentices with on-the-job training opportunities.
"We are all working together to provide our apprentices with the best possible education and to prepare them for success in the workforce," Krawczyk said.