FAQ about NEF

What is NEF? NEF is the NAWIC Education Foundation. It is a 501 (c) 3 serving the educational needs of the construction industry.

What does NEF offer? NEF has several certification programs for adults that are available.

Here is a brief description of each:

CIT-Construction Industry Technician - This a self-paced home study program. It covers types of construction, forms of business ownership, contractual arrangements and contract agreements, construction contract documents, the construction process, and insurance and bonding.

CCA-Certified Construction Associate - This is an advanced, six-part self study course. The courses are Business Analysis, Construction Environs, Construction Principles, Effective Communications, Labor Relations and Management Techniques. All six courses have exams to correspond and all six must be passed to obtain this certification.

CDS-Construction Document Specialist - This is a two-part course that deals working drawings, specifications, and the contract requirements of the Project Manual. The courses are Working Drawings & Project Manual and Introduction to Construction Estimating and Scheduling.

CCB – Certified Construction Bookkeeper – Utilizing Construction Bookkeeping 101 this is an entry level course that will enable anyone towork in both simple and complex bookkeeping systems. It covers setting up and operating a simple bookkeeping system for a construction compay. It covers, general Ledgers, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, job costs and organizing the system.

There are also CEU credits awarded by Clemson University with each of these courses. More information on the courses and the CEUs can be found at www.nawiceduction.org.

Order your NEF certification materials and store items. Click here to down load the current order form.

What does NEF have to do with building the construction workforce of tomorrow? NEF offers three programs designed to introduce kids in different age groups to the idea of construction as a career. They are briefly:

The Block-Kids Building Program is a national building program competition that is sponsored on the local level by NAWIC chapters and other organizations. The award-winning program introduces children to the construction industry in an effort to create an awareness of and to promote an interest in future careers in one of the many facets of the industry. The program is open to all elementary school children in grades 1-6. Local winners advance to Regional Competition and one semi-finalist from each region is entered in the National Program competitions. National prizes are awarded to the top three projects.

The CAD/Design/Drafting Competition is a contest designed for senior high students. Objectives of the contest are to introduce the student to the construction industry in a positive and challenging manner, while fostering a sense of selfworth and building confidence. Mentoring programs between students and educators are also encouraged. Each local sponsor is furnished with a "Design Problem" that is designed by a licensed Architect or Engineer and is generic enough to meet the needs of all areas of the US and our international affiliates. Project drawings must include a minimum: a floor plan, exterior elevation and site plan and placement of structure. National winners receive prizes. 

Building Design Program - In the fall 1997, the NAWIC Education Foundation launched its third k-12 program. NAWIC member, Kimberly A. Cameron, CIT along with three educators created the Building Design Program for middle level students in grades six – nine. The Building Design Program (BDP) is structured to introduce construction in a positive and fun manner, while presenting challenges in math, communication and design.

The BDP is a team-based programs introduces the students to the imaginative world of construction through these objectives:

• Enhance awareness of construction industry careers and professions;
• Enhance relationships between math, science, technology and communication as they relate to the construction industry;
• Foster critical thinking, problem solving and creativity.

Under the guidance of an instructor the teams of students will complete the design of a 1,000 square foot house for a family of four keeping the cost under $50,000. The program follows a ten-lesson plan layout including keeping a journal (job log), floor plan sketches, site plan layout, job costs worksheets, a report on five construction industry careers, a scaled model and a final report.

The Garden Shed Program is also designed for middle school age children but differs from the Building Design Program in that it can be completed in one or two days and can be done in an informal setting if desired.

NEF Liaison Report

It is the responsibility of the NEF Liaison to effectively communicate the programs and direction of the NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF) to the members of our Region. As you review the report of the NEF President this year, you will see the Foundation has been hard at work and we have accomplished a lot of wonderful things. Besides a new certification, we are constantly looking for ways to bring more value to women in the construction industry. Our mission is educating the construction industry today…and tomorrow.

All NEF programs are available to everyone, not just NAWIC members. As a chapter, you can encourage study groups for our CIT, CCA, CDS and CBB certifications and then obtain the certifications. Is your chapter holding a Block Kids, CAD or Building Design program or event? Do you want to know how you can do one? Just ask me. It is my job to help you understand the programs encourage their use and help you and your chapter find out about these wonderful programs.

Go to the NEF website at www.nawiceducation.org and print off the guidelines, brochures or other information you need to get started. Call me or our NEF administrator if you have questions. Give me feedback on all our programs. If something isn’t working, we want to make it better. Have an idea for a program? Tell me about it! How do you think our Shed project got to become our newest BDP program? A NAWIC member had an idea and shared it with us.

Your support, ideas and enthusiasm helps NEF accomplish the things they have over the years. Our Board is made up of people that have the desire to promote education and quality programs. If you think you have this desire and would like to serve as a Trustee, let me know that as well. We are looking for a few good people with new ideas and the desire to work hard for the Foundation.

Thank you for your continued support of NEF. We look forward to another great year with your help and involvement!