Occupational
Component Classroom Instruction: The vocational instruction
centers on the Home Builders Institute’s Pre-apprenticeship Construction
Training (PACT). This curriculum includes both the theory and the practice
of home building. PACT relies on the time-honored apprenticeship approach
for learning craft skills. PACT assumes that “less is more”:
less emphasis on lecture, paper, and pencil, or other traditional academic
approaches and more emphasis on hands-on contextual learning. Home Builders
Institute (HBI) and Home Builders Association of Atlanta (HBA) have found
that when trainees can practice their skills immediately on tangible construction
projects, they learn both skills and theory more quickly while building
workplace knowledge. PACT is structured to enable participants to apply
manual and technical knowledge skills and abilities under professional
supervision in the industry. The PACT is based on an eight-week, 321 instructional
hours’ model that includes both classroom and hands-on training
outlined below is the nine PACT Units and the number of instructional
hours per unit:
Program Weeks: 8 Hours per Unit
Unit 1: Introduction to the Building Trades 29
Unit 2: Construction Math 29
Unit 3: Tool Identification and Use and Construction Materials 15
Unit 4: Carpentry 87
Unit 5: Electrical 47
Unit 6: Plumbing 47
Unit 7: HVAC 17
Unit 8: Building and Apartment Maintenance 35
Unit 9: Job Seeking Skills 15
Total Program Hours 321
On-Site Construction Training: The Atlanta Home Builders Association (AHBA) affiliation ensures the on-site training component is structured to enable participants to apply manual and technical knowledge, under professional supervision to secure entry-level employment in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, building and apartment maintenance and other related residential and light commercial construction careers. The PACT program is a product of the Home Builders Institute, the educational arm of The National Association of Homebuilders.
Participants’ work will include site demolition, site preparation, and new construction of a single family home. Participants will learn and complete the nine aforementioned PACT program areas, if needed. Youth initially learn the skills and are tested in the classroom on a slab provided for practicing. Smaller projects such as doghouses and benches shall provide preparation for trainees in blueprint reading, material purchase, masonry, and framing. After completion of a construction-training module, youth will complete a written test and demonstrate their ability to complete the activity. A second chance to pass this module will be available during the housing rehabilitation phase. Every effort to maintain a trainer to participant ratio of no less than 1:15 will be made during the classroom and on-site construction components. A partnership will be developed with local community housing organizations to support this component.
