Construction Safety Specialist (CSS)
Registered Apprenticeship
A New Path to the Construction Safety Profession
The Construction Safety Specialist (CSS) is registered with ApprenticeshipNC and sponsored by Construction Safety Academy. We partner with participating employers to enroll their employees in the program. Our parent consulting company, Resourcery, LLC, also offers apprentices employment and placement through contract staffing. Employers interested in participating may request more information by emailing us at info@constructionsafetyacademy.com.
The program is built on the principle that safety is as essential as it every aspect of construction. Effective safety management, like any other discipline, depends on collaboration and the thoughtful use of resources. We take a systems-based approach to developing construction safety professionals, focusing on five core areas:
- Safety Program Management
- Construction Fundamentals
- Project Management
- Communication
- Leadership
Apprenticeship Program At-a-Glance
The construction safety apprenticeship has two components: On-the-Job Learning and Related Instruction.
On-the-Job Learning
Apprentices work full-time in construction environments, earning pay while taking on progressive responsibility as safety professionals. Under supervision, they develop verifiable competencies across the core subject areas.
Related Instruction
Apprentices complete training and coursework that reinforce their field experience, aligned with the core subject areas.
Completion
After meeting all program requirements, apprentices receive a Certificate of Completion for the Construction Safety Specialist (CSS) Registered Apprenticeship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals without prior safety experience who want to start a career in construction safety.
Early-career safety professionals who want structured development and nationally recognized credentials.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Coordinator, Manager, Auditor and Owner’s Representative. Apprentices are equipped to work for general contractors, subcontractors, consulting firms, and project owners. The program emphasizes large-scale commercial and industrial construction.
Apprentices must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have reliable transportation, be capable of meeting the physical demands of the role (walking and standing for extended durations, climbing, crouching, and reaching), comply with their employer’s substance abuse prevention program, and have access to a computer with internet for coursework.
All applicants meeting these requirements will take the NOCTI 21st Century Skills for Workplace Success Test. This exam assesses the applicant’s job-readiness.
The apprenticeship is designed to last 28-36 months. For those with prior experience, the program can be completed in as little as 15 months.
Completion is based on meeting required work hours (4,500-6,000 hours, or roughly 2-3 years of full time employment), demonstrating ~300 competencies, and logging 542 hours of assigned related instruction.
Competencies are verifiable knowledge, skills, and abilities. During on-the-job learning, apprentices are tasked with developing nearly 300 competencies under supervision based on the core subject areas of safety, construction and project management, communication, and leadership.
Competencies are broken down to a micro-level to ensure apprentices are prepared for the real-world challenges they will face throughout their career in construction safety.
The related instruction includes training and coursework. Trainings include NCCER Core Curriculum, OSHA 30 for construction, OSHA 510, and CPR & First Aid. Courses are centered around the five core subject areas of safety program management, construction fundamentals, project management, communication, and leadership. Some examples include: incident and emergency response, public speaking, construction documents, and Spanish for construction.
Related instruction also includes preparation for the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) exam, offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Passing the exam is not required to complete the program but is strongly recommended to all apprentices to enhance their marketability.
Apprentices pay nothing; the employer covers all costs.
Apprentices are paid according to a progressive wage scale based on their number of work hours according to the standards of the program. Employers are permitted to pay higher wages, but the standards are set to ensure a minimum rate. The starting wage, applicable for the 3 month probationary period, is $18/hour. Apprentices are then increased to $21/hour until they obtain 2,000 total work hours (roughly through the end of Year 1). During Year 2, the rate is $23/hour, and in their final year apprentices will earn $25/hour. Overtime, when and if made available by the employer, will accelerate the progression through the wage scale.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Enrollment is based on available apprenticeship placements. Apprentices must complete employer onboarding and program orientation prior to beginning work onsite.
The next program orientation is scheduled Monday, September 15th, location TBA.
The program is based in Wake County, North Carolina. However, placements are available across the state and beyond.