Construction Education Community of Practice

Washington’s community and technical colleges are vital to 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 (CECoP) is here to change that.

Lift as we build: The CONSTRUCTION Education Community of Practice

Rooted in the theory of Communities of Practice—developed by cognitive anthropologist Jean Lave—CECoP recognizes that learning is social, thriving through relationships, shared experiences, and collective knowledge. This statewide initiative brings together educators, industry leaders, and workforce professionals to shape the future of construction education in Washington.

Our Purpose

The Construction Education Community of Practice exists to:

Foster collaboration across colleges and construction programs

Bridge theory and practice in construction education

Build a shared identity among educators and industry partners

Plan for a collective future that meets the evolving needs of the construction industry

Our Focus on the Future

The construction industry is changing fast—and education must keep pace. The Construction Education Community of Practice (CECoP) is committed to forward-thinking conversations and actions that address:

  • Skills gaps and workforce demand

  • Credential and micro-credential innovation

  • Program development and alignment

  • Professional development and growth

  • Mapping career progression opportunities

  • Construction profession frameworks

  • Emerging technologies and safety resources

  • Barriers to entry and equity in construction careers

  • Union recruitment and industry collaboration

Participants will help define CECoP’s goals, roles, and activities—ensuring the community evolves with the needs of its members and the industry.

Who Can Join?

CECoP is open to a wide range of professionals and organizations, including:

Postsecondary education representatives involved in:

  • Construction Management

  • BAS degrees

  • Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs

  • Architecture, engineering, surveying, estimation, and related fields

Construction industry partners, including:

  • Employers

  • Unions

  • Trade associations

  • Workforce development professionals

  • NPOs supporting the construction workforce

Kickoff Session: A Collaborative Beginning

Our inaugural session, set for October 9th, will launch a collaborative journey to strengthen construction education across Washington State. With a focus on the future, this session will explore:

  • The evolving needs of the construction industry

  • How education can adapt and lead

  • Opportunities for shared learning and innovation

Participants will also help shape the CECoP’s structure, goals, and future initiatives.

Join the Movement

Together, we can lift as we build—creating a stronger, more connected, and future-ready construction education ecosystem in Washington State.