Preparing to Implement Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3)

Department of Labor YouthBuild programs considering implementing MC3 should contact their local Building Construction Trades Council to express interest.

What is a Building Construction Trades Council (BCTC)?

BCTCs are a local or state resource for union contractor directory, pathways to employment in construction, and other professional information such as wage rates, job directories and Occupational Safety and Health Administration information.

Key Roles of a BCTC:

• Advocacy: BCTCs advocate for policies and legislation that benefit workers, promote workplace safety, and support the growth of union jobs in the construction industry.
• Coordination: BCTCs coordinates the efforts of multiple affiliated unions, ensuring collaboration across different crafts and bringing together carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and ironworkers.
• Training and Workforce Development: BCTCs are vital in supporting Apprenticeship Readiness Programs (ARPs) and Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs), which provide pathways for individuals to enter registered apprenticeship programs.
• Project Partnerships: BCTCs work closely with contractors, community organizations, and local governments to connect skilled workers to construction projects, ensuring those projects have access to a well-trained, unionized workforce.

Follow these steps to locate and connect with your state BCTC.

1. Visit the NABTU Building Trades Local Councils directory to find the BCTC closest to you.
   1. If your program has difficulty connecting with a local BCTC or if you need sample language to communicate with the BCTC, email Tanji Gilliam, Apprenticeship Readiness Program Coordinator (ARPC) at TradesFutures for support.
2. Call your state BCTC Administrator (e.g., Secretary Treasurer, Vice President) to express your interest in implementing the MC3.
   1. The BCTC will outline its expectations and provide various forms of support. If the council representative determines MC3 is a good fit for the program, the BCTC administrator will draft a letter of support and send it to the Tanji Gilliam, Apprenticeship Readiness Program Coordinator (ARPC).
   2. Once TradesFutures is aware of your program’s interest, you may contact TradesFutures to request temporary guest access to the MC3, if you’d like to preview the curriculum.
   3. To access the MC3 curriculum, an MC3 Implementation Plan and Intellectual Property Agreement must be submitted to TradesFutures for approval to move forward with implementation. The MC3 Implementation Plan must address items, as explained in the TradesFutures FAQ document. For a sample Implementation Plan, reach out to Tanji Gilliam, Apprenticeship Readiness Program Coordinator at TradesFutures.

If you have any immediate questions or comments about this resource, email construction@youthbuild.org.

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• Posted by: Lisa Reddy
• Posted in: YouthBuild