The Harvard Careers in Construction Program (HCCP) provides Allston, Brighton, and Cambridge residents with training, resources, mentoring, and work experience in preparation for building trades apprenticeships with the goal of securing gainful, long-term employment in the construction industry.
Harvard Careers in Construction
As someone who has always been interested in construction work, the Harvard Careers in Construction Program has meant a lot to me. The training, support, and mentorship I’ve received have helped me gain the experience I needed to advance in my career.
Celina Descoteaux, Brighton resident
Harvard Careers in Construction 2018 participant
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Harvard Careers in Construction Program Overview
HCCP features job preparation workshops including resume writing and interviewing; mentoring from a professional in the construction trades; a paid internship with a general contractor; assistance with your application to an apprenticeship or the Building Pathways Program; and with finding employment. At program completion, you receive a financial award.
We customize the program to meet your needs including math tutoring, driver's license tutoring, budgeting, professional skills, etc. Your weekly time commitment depends on your individual program.
This program is for individuals who are 18+, committed to a career in the building trades, and a resident of Allston-Brighton or Cambridge.
To learn more about HCCP, please read our brochure and reach out with any questions to the Harvard Ed Portal at edportal@harvard.edu.
Download the Brochure (PDF)
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For Harvard, HCCP has been a great source for pre-qualified and diverse interns and union tradespeople who live in Allston-Brighton and Cambridge. We are pleased to support the education and careers of our neighbors committed to the building trades.
Joseph O'Farrell
Managing Director, Capital Projects at Harvard University
The Harvard Ed Portal's HCCP Program created an opportunity for residents of the community to explore careers in the construction trades through hands on experiences on active jobsites in the Allston-Brighton area. Through this program, one HCCP graduate has become a Union Carpenters Apprentice, that has remained employed by Turner Construction since 2019.
Turner Construction Company
Resources for Careers in Building Trades
Building Pathways
Building Pathways provides a gateway for low-income area residents, particularly in underserved communities, to access family-sustaining careers in the construction industry through apprenticeship preparedness training and advocacy.
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The Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program can help you learn about the industry, practice your hands-on skills, and compete for apprenticeship program openings.
Through 240+ hours of Career Readiness and Occupational Skills Training, with classroom and hands-on learning experiences, Building Pathways will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter and succeed in a registered union apprenticeship program. You will also receive coordinated case management and placement services to help you achieve their career goals. Once placed in a quality apprenticeship program, you will gain on-the-job training, while earning good wages and benefits, and receive continued support services from Building Pathways.
AFL-CIO: What Unions Do
When working people come together, they make things better for everyone. Joining together in unions enables workers to negotiate for higher wages and benefits and improve conditions in the workplace. There are millions of union members in America from all walks of life. These individuals know that by speaking up together, you can accomplish more than you could on your own.
Massachusetts Building Trades Council
The Massachusetts Building Trades Council (MBTC) is a 100-year-old organization dedicated to helping working people improve their quality of life. We are comprised of 62 member locals representing over 75,000 working men and women across the state.
Read More
Click here for a Local Union Directory with a description of each trade.
Click here to access a Directory of Apprenticeships and a guide to becoming a Union Building Trade Apprentice.
Explore Videos
Browse a selection of videos to learn more about topics focused on the state of labor unions, building trades, and more.
View Videos
The Rise of Labor Unions
NBC
As America’s factories grow in the late 19th century, so do the demands for unions as workers struggle with long hours, low wages and dangerous working conditions.
Watch Now
All Union Construction Sites in Greater Boston Paused to Affirm 'Black Lives Matter'
Building and Construction Trades Council of the Metropolitan District
On Juneteenth, all union construction sites in Greater Boston paused at 8:46 am to affirm Black Lives Matter, to fight for equality, and to honor the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others.
Watch Now
Unions = Opportunity for All
Greater Boston Labor Council
With labor unions, Boston's next mayor can ground our city's future in opportunity, equity, and strong communities. Watch and share our newest video to Build Back Better with unions.
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With Millions Looking for Work, Stigmas Create a Dearth of Skilled Tradespeople
PBS NewsHour
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Despite Rising Salaries, the Skilled-Labor Shortage is Getting Worse
PBS NewsHour
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Flexible Self-Paced Learning: LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning Scholarships are provided to Allston-Brighton residents and/or Harvard Ed Portal members who are interested in a career in the building trades.
Learn More
View Harvard Ed Portal's Recommendations
Get Ahead in Construction Trades
Prepare yourself for a lucrative career and learn valuable skills that bridge the physical and digital worlds. This path, which includes 9 courses, prepares you to embark on a career in the construction trades—and to set yourself apart in this competitive industry.
Discover the pathways that lead to a career in construction.
Explore the types of work in the construction trades.
Identify opportunities for future career advancement.
When you’re done, you’ll have earned a certificate of completion.
You may not have liked it in school, but math is essential for construction. In this course, you can learn the mathematics you need to succeed in a skilled trade—estimation, project management, or working in the field. Discover how to take measurements of objects, calculate volume and area, apply ratios, and convert units. And because weight is so important when transporting and supporting materials, instructor Jim Rogers teaches how to calculate weight based on size and determine the appropriate load for forklifts and cranes. The course is a practical and straightforward guide to the math construction professionals need to use the most. It provides clear examples and concise lessons, so you can get back to work and start crunching the numbers right away.
Learning objectives:
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Measuring with precision
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Converting units
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Calculating area
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Calculating weight
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Calculating length, fall, and grade
