What Is MC3 and Why It Matters

What Is MC3 and Why It Matters
The Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) is more than a certification—it's a launchpad for young people entering the skilled trades. Developed by North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), MC3 is a nationally recognized, Department of Labor-endorsed curriculum designed to prepare students for success in registered apprenticeship programs.
The 120-hour course offers construction math, blueprint reading, safety training, and hands-on exposure to more than 16 different trades. It levels the playing field by giving students the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to step onto a job site and thrive. Students not only walk away with tangible skills but also a nationally recognized credential that opens doors across the country.
MC3 isn’t just about learning how to build. It’s about building yourself: your confidence, your awareness of the trades, your professional network, and your future. It lays the foundation for a lifelong career in an industry that values skill, integrity, and teamwork.
Want to help more youth earn this life-changing certification? Get involved with Forest Avenue Outreach today.