Utilities (Constructions, Maintenance, Operations)

The Utilities (Constructions, Maintenance, and Operations) pathway has a strong focus on adult programs aligned with utilities infrastructure and construction field occupations.   

 With a specific focus on adult literacy, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) developed contextualized learning for adult English language learners and high school equivalency programs at Gloucester County Institute of Technology and Cumberland County Technical Education Center. A non-credit Utilities Principles course for adult literacy learners was created to prepare adult learners for entry or re-entry into the workforce.  

Credit opportunities for adult learners were identified through the alignment of existing non-credit courses offered at Gloucester County Institute of Technology and Cumberland County Technical Education Center for credit toward RCSJ’s Technical Studies AAS degree. Additionally, RCSJ’s construction and utilities trades Academic Certificates were updated and provide stackable credits to the Technical Studies AAS.   

 RCSJ’s utilized a Prior Learning Assessment for evaluating union apprenticeship curriculum of (1) Northeast Carpenters, (2) NJ Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen, (3) International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 102 and 269, (4) Ironworkers 399, 5) Operating Engineers 825, (6) Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 32 and (7) Sheet Metal Workers Local 25 to determine college credit equivalencies toward the Technical Studies AAS degree. This process evaluated the technical education and learning outcomes union members receive to determine academic credit equivalency. The PLA process is a significant contributor to degree attainment opportunities at Community Colleges and four-year institutions for building trades union members which leads to further career opportunities within the industry.   

 A 2+2 articulation agreement was established to seamlessly articulate the Technical Studies AAS degree to a Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management, an online program, at Rowan University.   

Finally, the Center recognized the need for Career and Technical Education instructors at Community Colleges. A train-the-trainer program was created to prepare experienced technical/trades professionals to teach non-credit programs at Community Colleges statewide.