Continued Education

Advance your career with the NCIFTI. As a union journeyperson, lifelong learning is essential for maintaining competency, adapting to industry changes, and becoming a leader - on and off the jobsite.

Why Continue Your Education?

Becoming a skilled tradesworker is a lifelong commitment. The NCIFTI's continued education courses enable you to invest in your future by learning new techniques and technologies throughout your career. And as always, the courses are available at no cost to you.

Career Advancement

Access courses for roles like foreperson training and supervisor training - or to obtain new niche skills like wallcovering and faux finishing.

Icon of a glowing lightbulb, representing new tools and technologies in continued education.

Maintain Proficiency

New tools and technologies are released all the time in this industry. Our continued education training covers new innovations so you can quickly adapt and remain proficient in your craft.

Icon of a seal with a checkmark, representing quality craftsmanship and professionalism.

Uphold Quality

Training is the cornerstone of quality craftsmanship and professionalism, and there is always more to learn.

Icon of a handshake, representing network, union family, and guaranteed support.

Guaranteed Support

As part of the union family, you have access to our entire schedule of classes and the network of support that comes with it. (Did we mention all of this is included for free?)

Career Advancement

Access courses for roles like foreman training and supervisor training.

Lightbulb icon, representing the problem-solving aspects of advanced trade training.

Maintain Proficiency

Training covers new technologies/techniques to keep your skills current and adaptable.

Certification icon for journeyperson upgrades and safety recertifications.

Uphold Quality

We believe training is the cornerstone of quality craftsmanship and professionalism.

Partnership icon representing the supportive nature of NCIFTI.

Guaranteed Support

As part of the Union Family, a schedule of classes and certificate programs is provided through the NCIFTI.

A group of jourmeypeople participating in a continued education seminar in a classroom.

Curriculum & Certification Focus

Our advanced curriculum gives you the certifications and training you need to maintain a safe, productive work environment. Core Health & Safety Modules are essential for all Journeypersons to stay compliant and up-to-date—many are also used by Apprentices to earn credit toward Core Module 3.

Safety Training Awards Recognition (STARs) Program Logo

Safety Training Awards Recognition

When you participate in continued education at the NCIFTI, you are automatically earning credits toward our annual STARs program!


STARs, or Safety Training Awards Recognition, is an incentive program that rewards members who take advantage of our continuing education classes in health and safety. Qualifying STARs finalists are honored during an annual member appreciation picnic, which includes lunch, carnival games and activities, live entertainment, raffle drawings, and a wellness fair.


Members who meet the requirements outlined in the official program rules will be eligible to select a prize from the STARs Prize Catalog, worth $400. Those who meet the additional Secondary Grand Prize requirements will be eligible for a chance to win $10,000. Furthermore, journey workers who meet the Grand Prize requirements will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win their choice of vehicle from Gerald Ford in North Aurora.


To become eligible for awards, earn at least two STARs course credits and work at least 500 continuous hours during each calendar year, beginning January 1st and ending December 31st.

Continuing Education

Safety Training Awards Recognition

STARs, or Safety Training Awards Recognition, is an incentive program that rewards members who take advantage of our continuing education classes in health and safety. Qualifying STARs finalists are honored during an annual member appreciation picnic, which includes lunch, carnival games and activities, live entertainment, raffle drawings, and a wellness fair.


Members who meet the requirements outlined in the official program rules will automatically receive a customizable STARs Prize Package. Those who meet the additional Secondary Grand Prize requirements will be eligible for a chance to win their choice between a variety of prize package options, including new household appliances, a home theater system, a new fishing boat, a new ATV, a Disney vacation, or a Hawaiian island vacation. Furthermore, journey workers who meet the Grand Prize requirements will be entered into a drawing for their choice of vehicle from Gerald Ford in North Aurora.


To become eligible for awards, earn at least two STARs course credits and work at least 500 continuous hours during each calendar year, beginning January 1st and ending December 31st.