Building Futures from the Ground Up: Bassett Adult School’s Intro to Building & Construction
Submitted By: Crystal Frank
Mt.San Antonio Regional Consortium for Adult Education
Website: https://bas.bassettusd.org/
Type of Practice: Learner Transition
Program Area(s): ABE / ASE, ESL / EL Civics / Citizenship, CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship
Region: Los Angeles Basin
Consortia Involved: Mt. San Antonio Regional Consortium for Adult Education
The Program of Practice
Adult learners in the Bassett community faced limited access to structured, hands-on construction training that provided both foundational technical skills and clear pathways into the building and construction trades. Many students lacked prior exposure to industry tools, safety practices, and project planning skills, making it difficult to transition into entry-level employment or advanced training. Additionally, opportunities for adult learners to demonstrate their skills in competitive, industry-aligned settings were minimal, limiting confidence, motivation, and recognition of their abilities.
The Response
Recognizing the growing demand for skilled workers in the construction industry and the need for accessible entry points into the trades, Bassett Adult School developed this course to remove barriers to participation while maintaining high expectations. The program emphasizes early skill development, real-world application, and career awareness. Instruction is intentionally scaffolded so students can build confidence, technical knowledge, and employability skills simultaneously.
The Unique Features of the Program
What sets Bassett’s Intro to Building & Construction program apart is its strong emphasis on planning, teamwork, and applied problem-solving. Students are taught to plan projects before execution, mirroring industry practices and reinforcing critical thinking skills. The program integrates career technical student leadership opportunities, including participation in SkillsUSA, allowing adult learners to engage in competitive, standards-based experiences typically associated with secondary or postsecondary programs. Additionally, instruction is culturally responsive and supportive, creating an inclusive environment where adult learners feel empowered to take risks, ask questions, and grow professionally.
The Outcome
The Intro to Building & Construction program at Bassett Adult School has produced strong academic, technical, and leadership outcomes for adult learners. Students demonstrate measurable gains in construction fundamentals, including safety practices, tool identification and use, measurement, and project planning. A significant program outcome is student success beyond the classroom. Participants have applied their skills in competitive, industry-aligned settings through SkillsUSA, earning first- and second-place awards. These achievements validate both the rigor of instruction and students’ readiness to perform to recognized standards. Additionally, students report increased confidence, improved teamwork and communication skills, and greater clarity around career pathways in the building and construction trades. The program supports persistence, skill mastery, and successful transitions into further training or employment-related opportunities.