SOUTHWEST TRAINING CENTER

CORE

Start Strong with CORE: Your First Step in Construction Training

Enroll in ABC Pelican’s Core class to build the essential skills, safety knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to launch your career in the skilled trades.

APPLY NOW
RESOURCES

What is Core?

Core is ABC Pelican’s entry-level construction training course, built on the NCCER Core Curriculum, and is the first step toward a career in the skilled trades.

Whether you're interested in Electrical, Pipefitting, Millwright, Instrumentation, or other trades, Core is a required prerequisite before enrolling in most of our craft training programs. By completing Core, you’ll gain a solid foundation that applies to any craft—and you’ll earn credentials, which follow you throughout your career in the construction industry

(The only exception is our Welding program, which follows a separate entry-level path.)

🦺 Basic safety principles used on construction sites

🛠️ Proper use of hand and power tools

➗ Construction math fundamentals

📐 Reading and interpreting blueprints

🏗️ Basic rigging and material handling

🗣️ Communication and workplace readiness skills

What will you learn in Core?

FAQs

  • Core is the required first step for most of our craft training programs—including Millwright, Pipefitting, Electrical, Instrumentation, and more.

    It provides the essential knowledge, hands-on practice, and safety fundamentals that are needed across all skilled trades. From how to handle tools properly to reading construction drawings, Core ensures you're ready to succeed—no matter which craft path you choose.


    🛠️ Exception: Core is not required for our Welding program.

  • Already Completed Core? We’ve Got You Covered!

    Core is commonly offered in high school programs, technical centers, and workforce entry-level training.

    If you think you’ve already completed Core, you don’t need to start from scratch.

    ✅ Visit one of our craft training pages (like Heavy Equipment or Electrical) to see what’s next: www.abctraining.org/swtccourses


    ✅ Or contact our team—we’ll help verify your training and get you placed in the right class.

    ⚠️ Have industry experience but never took Core?

    • Even if you’ve worked in the field for years, you are not exempt from taking Core.

    • Why? Core ensures all students start with a consistent foundation in safety, tools, math, and communication—key concepts that may not have been formally taught on the job.

    • Think of it as a valuable refresher course that prepares you to succeed in a classroom setting and helps fill in any knowledge gaps before moving into your chosen craft.

    • Duration: One semester (typically 12-14 weeks)

    • Frequency: 1 night per week

    • Curriculum: NCCER Core

    • Cost: $300

Core Flyer
Program Overview Flyer
Enrollment Checklist