The article examines the existing in Russia practice-oriented forms of training of specialists in the construction industry known for its high specialization. Currently, there is a growing need for people with practical skills and knowledge necessary for the design and construction of technically complex buildings and structures. To meet these needs, a number of techniques are used in the training of specialists for the construction sector, including internships, on-the-job training and vocational training. The article presents an expert assessment of the advantages and limitations of various approaches in training specialists in the construction industry in the regions of Russia. One of the solutions to the problems facing the construction industry and the need for constant innovation and investment in training programs is to create in the Novgorod region on the basis of the Novgorod Construction College a unique educational and production platform for training qualified personnel, taking into account the opinions of employers in the School–College–University–Enterprise paradigm. The article presents the prerequisites for creating a comprehensive training program for the construction industry in the Novgorod region, including such national and local challenges and directions as the need for early career guidance for school students, the gap between the requirements of the real labor market and training at school and institutions of secondary vocational education (colleges) in major subjects, increasing the number of students from the municipal districts of the region, etc. The authors have determined that the main target audiences of the program (school, institutions of secondary vocational education (colleges), university, employers) gain a number of synergistic effects that ultimately contribute to the growth of the well-being of the population and the development of the region's economy. The model for the development of the practice-oriented School–College–University–Enterprise program proposed by the authors has a number of strategic priorities for the regional economy, including the introduction of a system of educational, social and professional elevators for students, territorial attachment, guaranteed employment, etc.