A Moment in Code Council History: High School Technical Training Program Takes Flight

In honor of the International Code Council’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the Building Safety Journal will be reflecting on some significant milestones in the organization’s history.

This month, we are highlighting the launch and evolution of the Code Council’s Technical Training Program (TTP), which has grown substantially since its pilot program in 2009.

The Launch of the Technical Training Program

The TTP began as a pilot project in Bel Air, Maryland, in 2009, initiated by Harford Technical High School. The program, created by the Code Council, aimed to introduce high school students to building codes and construction principles, setting a foundation for careers in the building and construction industry.

The program is based on the Code Council’s International Residential Code® (IRC) and is divided into five key disciplines: 

• Building 
• Plumbing 
• HVAC (mechanical) 
• Electrical
• Energy 

This structure allows schools and instructors to incorporate one or more disciplines into their existing construction trade curricula, enhancing students’ readiness for professional careers in the field.

Expanding the Program to Support Students Across the U.S.

The Maryland-based pilot program quickly found success, with Harford Technical High School leading the way. By the end of its initial phase, the program had already made a significant impact, graduating 35 students with certificates of proficiency.

Recognizing its potential, the Code Council sought to expand the program to vocational and technical high schools nationwide, aiming to develop students’ knowledge in building codes and prepare them for careers in the industry.

By 2011, it had expanded to York Technical High School in York, Pennsylvania, with further plans to reach additional high schools across the country. Both York and Harford schools became members of the Code Council, and many students obtained individual student memberships as well. Within the first six years, the program awarded 1,083 certificates to students.

Much of the success of the TTP is owed to James Ellwood, the program’s dedicated liaison, whose contributions were instrumental in its growth. You can read more about his contributions here.

The Technical Training Program Today

Today, the TTP is successfully offered in classrooms across the U.S. The program now reaches over 35 high schools and community colleges with 478 participants in the 2024 school year. Read about the success of St. George’s Technical High School here. 

In May 2024, the Rhode Island Building Officials Association (RIBOA), a long-time supporter of the TTP, held its annual Tools for the Trades event, which welcomed a record number of students from four high schools in the area. The event celebrated 58 students who will be graduating from the program and provided an opportunity for students to network with local business leaders in the trade.

The TTP continues to support the building safety industry by aiding the next generation of professionals. As it evolves, the TTP remains a pivotal piece of the Code Council’s mission to ensure a safe and sustainable built environment through education and training. 

To learn more about the Technical Training program, click here. To take a look back at other significant milestones in the Code Council’s history, check out the 30th anniversary timeline here.