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Heavy Highway Civil Construction

Heavy Highway Civil Construction Competency Model

In collaboration with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) worked with industry leaders to develop a comprehensive competency model for the heavy highway civil construction industry. The model is designed to evolve along with changing skill requirements. AGC has committed to working with its industry partners to keep the model current.
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In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes.

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Download the industry model and worksheets in several formats

Heavy Highway Civil Construction Competency Model

Heavy Highway Civil Construction Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Display skills to work with others. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Display accepted social and work behaviors. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintain a professional demeanor. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrate a willingness to work. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Display responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Willingness to Learn</strong> Understand the importance of learning new information for both current and future problem solving and decision making. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understand written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Use standard English to compile information and prepare written documents. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Use principles of mathematics such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science</strong> Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems. <strong>2.5 Communication-Visual and Verbal</strong> Listen, speak, and signal so others can understand. Communicate in spoken English well enough to be understood by others. <strong>2.6 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Work cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Following Directions</strong> Receive, understand and carry out assignments with minimal supervision. <strong>3.3 Following Plans and Schedules</strong> Receive, understand, and carry out assignments to follow the planned workflow sequence. <strong>3.4 Problem Solving and Decision Making</strong> Apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems encountered on the work site. <strong>3.5 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Select, use, and maintain tools and technology to facilitate work activity. <strong>3.6 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Enter, transcribe, record, store, or maintain information in written or electronic format. <strong>3.7 Craftsmanship</strong> Recognize the responsibilities and personal characteristics of a professional craftsperson. <strong>4.1 Building and Construction Design</strong> Understand the steps involved in building construction projects (e.g., understanding & interpreting drawings). <strong>4.2 Material Resources</strong> Identify, move, store, and supply construction and building materials for all types of construction activities. <strong>4.3 Regulations and Quality Assurance</strong> Comply with regulations and building codes, and apply industry standards to ensure quality work. <strong>4.4 Health and Safety</strong> Recognize and mitigate safety hazards including hazardous materials, environmental hazards, and accident conditions on a construction site. <strong>5.1 Construction of Heavy/Highway and Civil Structures</strong> Apply knowledge of heavy/highway and civil materials and methods in the construction of different types of projects. <strong>5.2 Site Preparation</strong> Perform clearing, excavating, and earthmoving operations. <strong>5.3 Heavy Equipment Operations</strong> Properly operate and maintain equipment specific to heavy construction. <strong>5.4 Materials and Installation</strong> Materials, methods, and techniques used in the construction of heavy/civil projects. <strong>5.5 Traffic Control</strong> Understand, construct, and implement traffic control to move the general public around or through construction sites. Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles

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How To

Download the industry model and worksheets in several formats

Instructions to view the model graphic

General Information

The "Building Blocks"

Frequently Asked Questions

Competency Model Development and Use (PDF)