Using Simulation for Work-Based Learning in Construction CTE
Across America, CTE programs are teaching students the skills they need through mentorships, field trips, work-based learning initiatives, and other hands-on opportunities—all in the name of addressing a projected deficit of 6.5 million skilled workers.
It’s hard to understate the importance of CTE. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE):
- 92% of high school students are engaged in CTE
- 69% of college and adult students are engaged in CTE
Of course, that’s not to say CTE programs don’t face significant challenges. Fortunately, simulation can provide some innovative answers to these problems.
Implementing a high-quality CTE program means meeting many stringent requirements, including providing students with accessible, safe, and relevant work-based learning opportunities. In fact, the Education Commission of the States notes that “Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia include work-based learning as a factor when approving new or existing CTE programs.”
But there are significant challenges:
- Employers worry about liability issues when having young workers on-site.
- Creating meaningful work-based experiences takes time and energy many employers lack.
- Rural and under-resourced schools may not have access to enough employers.
- Transportation limitations can prevent students from reaching work sites.
- Teachers may struggle to manage employer relationships alongside other duties.
- Real equipment training incurs costs like fuel, rental, and maintenance.
These barriers can limit access to high-quality learning experiences—particularly for underserved communities.
Simulation provides practical, scalable solutions to these challenges:
- Eliminates the safety risks and liability of putting students on real machines.
- Reduces time spent setting up and breaking down equipment.
- Allows students to train on up to 16 types of heavy equipment with a single simulator.
- Supports independent study and self-paced learning paths.
- Levels the playing field for rural and underfunded schools.
- Enables a continuum of exercises from beginner to advanced.
- Offers at-school training opportunities that don’t rely on employer access or transportation.
Simulation also supports other ACTE high-quality program indicators:
- Boosts recruitment by promoting careers in construction.
- Acts as a promotional tool for modern, cutting-edge CTE programs.
- Allows educators to objectively assess student performance and offer targeted support.
- Prepares students for certification and credentialing exams.
- Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving through open-ended scenarios.
- Reflects real occupational practices used by industry professionals.
- Supports continual updates and content alignment through provider partnerships.
Training centers globally are seeing success using simulation:
- CTE classrooms use simulation to introduce students to construction careers and prepare them for real jobs.
- Recruiters at the National Construction Training Centre in Mount Lucas, Ireland use simulators to spark conversations and drive interest. “Awareness is our biggest challenge,” says John Kelly, the center’s manager. “You need something new and exciting that grabs people’s attention.”
Simulation is helping close the awareness gap and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Final Thoughts
CTE construction programs play a critical role in addressing the skilled labor shortage—but delivering equitable, accessible work-based learning experiences remains a challenge. Simulation training offers a scalable and effective solution that empowers educators, removes logistical barriers, and prepares students for certification and career success.
By incorporating simulation into your construction CTE curriculum, your program can overcome many traditional limitations—whether related to employer access, liability, transportation, or equipment costs. More importantly, it equips students with hands-on skills, confidence, and real-world readiness in a safe, repeatable, and measurable environment.
As simulation technology continues to evolve, forward-thinking educators can use it to future-proof their programs, improve student outcomes, and support stronger workforce pipelines in their local communities.
