Tidewater Builders Association

Apprenticeship and Training courses

Tidewater Builders Association operates free and certified job-training programs that fill local

2005 Home Builders Association of Virginia President Jeff Ainslie (right) presents a $1,000 contribution from HBAV to Keith Curtis of Tidewater Builders Association’s Building Trades Academy, which provides training in the building trades to young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The funds were given to Ainslie in recognition of his service as president of the statewide trade association. In turn, Tidewater Builders Association recognized Ainslie for his contributions to the workforce as Chair of the Hampton Roads Workforce Investment Board and as a member of the Governor’s Construction Trades Task Force. Ainslie is a principal of Ainslie Widener, a builder/developer firm based in Virginia Beach.

Keith Curtis (left) &
Jeff Ainslie (right)

industry’s need for skilled workers and offer career opportunities for economically disadvantaged men and women. Classes run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Orientation is every Tuesday at 9 and 11:30 a.m. at TBA, Building A. For more information call the office at 420-2566.

Building Trades Academy
This 10 to 12 week program is a mix of classroom theory and practical hands-on experience to prepare qualified adults for a career in the construction industry. Training may include apartment maintenance, carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing. The hands-on training comes in the construction of housing for low-income individuals through local housing authorities.

Individuals are selected for the program after a comprehensive interview and screening process. Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in South Hampton Roads, have a low income, and show an interest in the building industry.

After graduation, trainees will be ready to start a career as one of these tradespersons: heating ventilation and air conditioning technician; plumber; carpenter; apartment and building maintenace technician. Trainees are placed in jobs with private employers and begin on-the-job training.

Apprenticeship programs
After they have been on the job for 90 days, the Building Trades Academy pre-apprenticeship graduates receive staff support and guidance to get advanced certification through apprenticeship training programs. The classes, conducted through Tidewater Community College, combine on-the-job training with trade-related evening courses, such as trade theory, math, safety, blueprint reading and cost estimating. Apprentices who complete the courses are eligible for journeyman licenses.

Residential Superintendents Certification Program
The Residential Superintendents Certification Program is designed to help superintendents increase their knowledge and skills, and is offered to meet industry demand. Course topics include: planning, organization, scheduling, estimating, working with subs, controlling costs, quality construction and customer service. Certificates are awarded upon successful completion and classes are offered periodically to meet industry demand.

For more information about these programs, contact the Building Trades Academy at 757-420-2566.