The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) has officially accredited the UA Local 290 College of Mechanical Systems and Technology — also known as 290 Tech — located in Tualatin, Oregon. The decision was made during a March 28, 2025, meeting of the ACCE Board of Trustees and marks a significant milestone for the college and its mission to strengthen the skilled trades.
The accreditation applies to the college’s Associate of Applied Science in Construction Leadership Degree Program, as well as its four registered apprenticeship programs: Plumber, Steamfitter, HVAC/R Technician, and Marine Fitter. The seven-year accreditation period begins April 1, 2025, and runs through February 29, 2032.
“The mission of 290 Tech - UA Local 290 College of Mechanical Systems & Technology is to train highly qualified, skilled and marketable Plumbers, Steamfitters, and HVAC/R Technicians for these industries,” the school stated. “They are dedicated to developing professionals who bring expertise, character and a sense of teamwork to the clients they service, the contractors who employ them, and the union they represent.”
With this decision, 290 Tech becomes only the second Single-Purpose Institution to receive accreditation from the ACCE. The first was the Western States College of Construction in Denver, Colorado.
Founded in 1974, the American Council for Construction Education is a widely recognized accrediting body that promotes and certifies quality education in construction and construction-related programs. It serves as a collaborative force between academia and the construction industry, ensuring that educational institutions prepare students for real-world demands with programs that meet rigorous academic and professional standards.
“For more information about our accreditation procedures and policies for construction workforce education institutions and programs, please visit this ACCE webpage,” the organization stated in its release.
Accreditation from ACCE is often considered a gold standard in construction education and is a powerful signal to employers, students, and stakeholders that a program meets the highest levels of academic and industry excellence.
Originally reported by Chip Mansfield in Construction Dive.