Kicking Off The Construction Education Community of Practice
Meet Facilitator Jason Petrait and hear more about goals and roles of the new initiative
October 9th marks an important date—the first convening of the Construction Education Community of Practice (CECoP), bringing together educators, industry leaders and workforce representatives to shape the future of construction education in Washington. Following the kickoff, CECoP will meet quarterly to advance shared goals and initiatives. A Community of Practice is a group of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better through regular interaction.
Washington’s community and technical colleges are vital in preparing the next generation of construction professionals. Yet educators and program leaders often work in silos—missing opportunities to collaborate, share insights, and innovate together. The Construction Education Community of Practice is here to change that.
The construction industry moves fast and education must keep pace. That’s where the CECoP comes in. Whether it’s fostering collaboration, bridging theory and practice, building shared identity or planning for a collective future, the Construction Education Community of Practice will actively build the construction workforce of tomorrow. To guide this collaborative effort, CECoP has appointed a seasoned facilitator.
Introducing Facilitator Jason Petrait
Construction Education Community of Practice Facilitator Jason Petrait
The CECoP, sponsored by the Construction Center of Excellence (CCE), has appointed former CCE Advisory Board member Jason Petrait to facilitate convenings. Jason recently led the Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, and brings a mix of expertise and excitement to the project. He currently leads Aspect Works, an independent workforce and education consultancy.
“I can’t wait to get started, and I’m most looking forward to hearing what leaders in construction and education want to accomplish in the coming year,” says Jason. “The group will be a community of action as much as a community of practice.”
DACUM as a Foundation for Action
The idea for the Construction Education Community of Practice (CECoP) emerged from a recent DACUM—Developing A Curriculum—focused on the role of the Construction Manager. Led by the Construction Center of Excellence and facilitated by Jason Petrait, the DACUM brought together industry experts to define the real-world duties, tasks, knowledge, and skills required for success in this critical role.
“It was fascinating to uncover the full scope of what it takes to lead as a Construction Manager,” Jason reflects. “From fiscal oversight and regulatory compliance to safety, HR, and logistics—exceptional CMs are masters of many disciplines.”
But the DACUM did more than define a job—it revealed broader industry needs. Participants identified skill gaps, evolving hiring expectations, and the growing impact of emerging technologies like AI, automation, and advanced materials. These insights underscored the urgency for construction education programs to evolve in step with the industry.
In response, the Construction Center of Excellence, in partnership with Seattle Jobs Initiative, conducted structured feedback sessions and surveys. The findings pointed to a clear need: flexible, innovative credentials that support working learners. Microcredentials and micropathways emerged as promising tools to validate in-demand skills, support career transitions, and create new opportunities for advancement.
These innovations can lead to more responsive programs, stronger alignment with industry needs, and meaningful career progression for apprentices, journey workers, and supervisors alike.
Fostering Collaboration
Construction and education professionals are busy people. From big projects to lengthy meetings to after-work events, schedules are full and time is of the essence. That busyness can lead to silos, people working within their own area of responsibility. “There’s value in lifting your head up and looking around,” says Jason. “The Community of Practice will allow members to find out what others are working on and excited about, learning from colleagues outside of their immediate expertise.”
Get Involved
The Construction Education Community of Practice is open to a wide range of professionals and organizations, including postsecondary representatives involved in construction training programs, apprenticeship programs, along with construction industry partners including employers, unions, trade associations and non-profits supporting the construction workforce. Read more and fill out the interest form here.
Lift As We Build
Learning thrives through relationships, shared experiences, and collective knowledge. CECoP is a statewide initiative designed to unite educators, industry leaders, and workforce professionals in shaping the future of construction education in Washington. Whether you're an instructor, employer, union representative, or workforce advocate, your voice matters. Join the movement today.
