FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crownpoint, NM – On June 27, 2025, Navajo Technical University (NTU) officially launched its new Microcredentials–Construction Trades program under the Construction Technology department. This intensive course gives students the chance to learn 16 weeks’ worth of construction skills in just 9 weeks.
Six dedicated students, including Bryce Martinez from Dalton Pass and Rodney Walthall from Mariano Lake, attend the program full-time—Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Within just two weeks, they successfully completed testing for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
The course is taught by instructor Tom Bebo, with support from assistant Kirby Chapo and faculty member Christopher Storer. One recent focus was on personal protective equipment (PPE), where students learned and demonstrated the correct use of safety gear like goggles, hard hats, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
“When I teach, I’m glad to use NCCER’s Core curriculum,” said Bebo. “It helps students build real-world skills in math, communication, and employability that they’ll use on the job.”
Support for the program comes from many NTU departments, including team members like Dr. Delores Becenti, Shawna Begay, Kami Morgan, DeeAnna James, Jerlynn Henry, Lucille Barbone, and Dr. Bowman. Funding for this effort was made possible through a Navajo Nation grant focused on building a strong and skilled workforce. Navajo Nation Council Delegate Carl Slater played a key role in securing this funding and has shown strong support for programs led by tribal colleges and universities.
NTU plans to launch more microcredential programs soon, including training in cybersecurity, plumbing, production assistance, heavy equipment operation, and welding. These programs are being designed in partnership with the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), ensuring they meet both Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and NCCER standards.
To help students find jobs, NTU is also working with Aspire Ability, which developed a special online job board. This board connects job seekers with career opportunities across the Navajo Nation, in nearby towns, and in cities with large Native populations. It also supports NTU’s Career Center in placing graduates into the workforce.
This program is part of NTU’s commitment to helping Navajo students gain the skills they need to build strong careers and meet local job demands.
For more information, contact:
Tom Bebo, Assistant Master Technical Instructor of Carpentry Trades
E: tbebo@navajotech.edu
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu