Construction Trades

 

2 students building in construction program

 

First-year students enroll in Construction I and receive instruction and training in:

  • Construction safety
  • Introduction to carpentry
  • Hand tool and power tool use
  • Introduction to masonry
  • Measurement
  • Introduction to electrical systems
  • Construction math
  • Introduction to plumbing
  • Blueprint reading

 

Second-year students enroll in Construction II and receive instruction and training in:

  • Construction safety review
  • Drywall, painting, and staining
  • Blueprint reading review
  • Door and window installation
  • Building codes and zoning
  • Interior trim, cabinets, and counters
  • Foundations
  • Floor covering
  • Floor, wall, and roof framing
  • Application of carpentry skills
  • Concrete flatwork
  • Application of masonry skills
  • Exterior finishing (roofing, siding & trim)
  • Application of electrical & plumbing skills

 

Construction theory is taught in the classroom. The application or hands-on portion is taught in the construction lab and at a residential construction site at which students construct a three-bedroom home.

 

Construction II students may be eligible for cooperative education (co-op).

 

PLEASE NOTE: Students must be prepared to work out of doors in all types of weather. Some assignments require lifting and climbing. Students should be able to measure to 1/16 of an inch.

 

The Construction Trades Program is designed to give students the opportunity to participate in the Engineering/ Manufacturing & Industrial Technology Career Pathway.

Extracurricular Activities

  • SkillsUSA

Advanced Training
and Education

Advanced education and training can be obtained from technical schools, apprenticeship programs, community colleges, and universities. Macomb Community College, Western Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Michigan State University are examples of educational institutions offering advanced education in construction. The Detroit Carpentry Joint Apprenticeship Committee, Plumbing Industry Training Center, Electrical Industry Training Center, and local construction trade unions offer apprenticeship programs.


Career Options

  • Cabinetmaker
  • Carpenter
  • Construction Management
  • Construction teacher
  • Electrician
  • Heating and cooling technician
  • Mason
  • Plumber

Additional Information

More information about construction occupations can be found by logging on to Career Cruising. See your counselor to obtain a user name and password.