Dear Local Administrator:
Two years ago, the International Code Council (ICC) partnered with Harford Technical High School in Bel Air, Md., to establish the ICC High School Technical Training Program. The Code Council is the world leader in the establishment and implementation of the International Codes, which are adopted by jurisdictions throughout the nation, including all of Rhode Island municipalities.
The Rhode Island Building Officials Association (RIBOA) recognized the importance of this program, which introduces students to the International Residential Code (IRC) in conjunction with their construction trades training. RIBOA is providing their support in many ways, first by sponsoring membership to every technical school in the State, and becoming the first state in the country to have 100-percent participation in the ICC High School Training Program.
Second, we have encouraged Building Officials from throughout the state to participate as mentors in conjunction with the implementation of the High School Program. We encourage your support of your local Building Official to allow them to take a few hours out of their schedule on a monthly basis to meet with the students and teachers and introduce them to the building codes. This program is gaining national support and is also meets the presidential challenge to meet the demands of a high-tech economy.
Code Council Board of Directors President Stephen Jones also noted that, "Mastering building science, technology, engineering and math is a must for a successful career in working with building codes to create safe structures." According to program originator Jim Ellwood, "Building Officials joining together and mentoring this program will provide the ICC and building code communities an opportunity to contribute to the workforce of the future, and ensure that the ICC remains a leader in code development and code education."
We look forward to your support of participation in the High School Training Program by your local Building Official to help teach and shape tomorrow's construction tradespersons.
Wayne R. Pimental, CBO
Rhode Island Building Officials Association