Students in the Construction & Technology program at Bayshore High School recently celebrated the successful completion of NCCER certifications, marking an important milestone in their technical education and career readiness.
The NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core Certification is a nationally recognized credential that serves as the foundation for construction trade training. Before students can advance into specialized fields such as carpentry, electrical, or welding, they must first complete this essential training. The curriculum focuses on industry fundamentals including construction safety, tool usage, construction math, blueprint reading, material handling, and employability skills such as teamwork and workplace communication. The certification is widely recognized by employers and apprenticeship programs and is often required for entry-level positions in the construction industry.
Currently, Bayshore High School offers two NCCER certifications: Core and Carpentry. To earn certification in either program, students must successfully complete nine written assessments and nine performance tasks. While some students complete the Core certification in a single year, it typically takes up to four years to complete both certifications.
Since its launch at Bayshore High School in 2017, the Construction & Technology program has expanded in both enrollment and student achievement, providing students with valuable learning experiences aligned with real-world workforce demands. Under the leadership of instructor Hudson Slaughter, the program continues to prepare students for high-wage, high-skill careers in the construction industry and beyond.
“Watching students come into the program with little or no experience and then seeing the confidence they gain as they develop real-world skills is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching,” said instructor Hudson Slaughter. “Seeing them complete these NCCER certifications and prepare for successful careers makes me incredibly proud of everything they’ve accomplished. At the end of each year, we celebrate their hard work with a pizza party where students who complete the program are recognized for their achievements. Each student receives an NCCER certificate and a personalized construction hard hat with their name on it. Many of our graduates have gone on to careers in the building and trades industry, and I always enjoy hearing from former students about where they are working and how they are doing.”
At Bayshore High School, students in the program gain practical experience and industry-recognized credentials that prepare them for both postsecondary education and immediate entry into the workforce. Approximately 150 students enroll in NCCER Construction classes each year, with about 50 students entering the NCCER Certification Program annually. Typically, between 8 and 16 students complete the certification program each year.
This year, eight Bayshore students successfully earned certifications:
Yanuel Pantoja – Core
Denton Ash – Core
Manuel Munoz – Core
Alejandro Pineda-Camacho – Core
Genesis Reyes – Core
Tony Webb – Core
Justin Lopez-Barrios – Core
Moses Lewerenz – Core & Carpentry
Moses Lewerenz achieved a particularly notable milestone by completing both the NCCER Core Construction and Core Carpentry curriculum—an accomplishment that demonstrates exceptional dedication and mastery of rigorous industry standards while still in high school.
The program continues to grow through strong support from district leadership and partnerships, including the pre-apprenticeship pathway with Manatee Technical College (MTC), which allows students to continue building their skills after high school and transition into advanced training and industry certification opportunities.
“Mr. Slaughter exemplifies the impact a teacher can have by preparing students with the skills and industry certifications needed for successful careers,” said Dr. Gansemer, Executive Director of Adult, Career and Technical Education (ACT)/MTC. “His dedication and genuine care for his students are reflected in their success both in the classroom and beyond.”
“We are incredibly proud of the students and the hard work they have shown in earning these certifications,” said Kelli Kennedy, Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education. “Mr. Slaughter has created a hands-on learning environment that helps students build confidence, valuable industry skills, and a strong foundation for their future.”
Photos from the recent certification celebration and throughout the school year highlight students actively engaged in the shop—building skills, solving real-world problems, and preparing for future careers.