Ohio tech school offering industry-specific program

OAIMA’s Pat Jacomet signs an agreement to launch the MACC Tech program at Butler Tech. Photo courtesy of Butler Tech

Butler Tech became the first career technical center in Ohio to adopt a new 12-point, industry-recognized credential program in Mining, Asphalt, Concrete & Construction (MACC) Technology.

Butler Tech signed an agreement to launch MACC Tech in the fall of 2020 for students in its landscape design and construction program.

Program implementation

“Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) members project hiring an average of eight new employees over the next two years and up to 16 new employees over the next five years,” says Pat Jacomet, executive director of OAIMA. “These factors, along with an aging workforce, makes now the right time to offer training that can lead to a long and successful career in the construction industry.”

Approval of MACC Tech came from the Ohio Department of Education’s industry credential review team in July 2019, qualifying the program as an innovative workforce incentive program. This qualification spurred OAIMA, the Ohio Contractors Association, Flexible Pavements of Ohio, and Ohio Concrete to pledge $20,000 to support Butler Tech in the launch of MACC Tech.

The funding will provide proper equipment, tools and training for implementation of the program.

The curriculum

The MACC Tech curriculum provides a broad base of knowledge beginning with basic aggregate production, to building materials such as asphalt and concrete, to basic construction equipment and techniques.

Along the way, students will be exposed to the many ancillary career paths associated with the entire construction and materials industry. They’ll also experience hands-on education alongside industry professionals.

Additionally, the National Stone Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) approved the use of its “Aggregates Handbook” to supplement the MACC Tech curriculum.

Additional supporters

Industry associations and education partners recognized the need for well-trained, skilled workers in the construction and extraction occupations. Additional partnerships and support for MACC Tech are with I Build America Ohio, Skills USA Ohio, Ohio University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University.