Master your skills to prepare for the best jobs.

The Construction Technology – Carpentry program combines the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curricula with the Associate of Applied Science degree requirements, meshing illustrated instructional material with structured classroom activities.

Program location

  

Skills you'll learn

• Blueprint Reading: Understand the language of construction plans like a pro.
• Safety First: Learn the ins and outs of job site safety. Your well-being is our priority.
• Power Tools mastery: Nail the basics and become a pro with the tools of the trade.
• Green Building Techniques: Discover eco-friendly practices shaping the future of construction.
• Project Management: From concept to completion, be the boss of your projects.

Where this program can take you

• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Building Inspector
• Cost Estimator

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The Construction Technology program combines the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curricula with the Associate of Applied Science degree requirements, meshing illustrated instructional material with structured classroom activities.

This program emphasizes four levels of carpentry, with each building on the previous level. During the summer term between the students' first and second year, a paid internship is required, giving students real-world experience with a local construction company.

MAT-120 is required for transfer to a four-year university.

A completed apprenticeship program may be substituted for CON-147, CON-148, CON-149, and CON-262. Students who have completed an apprenticeship approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training and the Iowa Department of Education will be allowed to articulate up to 29 credits after 12 credits of "C" or better are earned in the approved Construction Technology degree program at SCC.

The Building Construction certificate is awarded after successful completion of first semester courses.

The Building Construction diploma is awarded after successful completion of the first three semesters.

*Certificates and diploma can be earned one time.

Please view the technical standards for this course.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
CON-147	Carpentry I	6
CON-332	Construction Materials and Resources	3
MAT-702	Introduction to Math Applications	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	12

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Spring Semester I	Course Title	Credit
CAD-101	Introduction to CAD	3
CON-113	Construction Printreading	2
CON-148	Carpentry II	6
CON-252	Construction Electricity	3
Take 1 of 2 courses
ENG-105	Composition I	3
ENG-110	Writing for the Workplace	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	17

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Summer Semester	Course Title	Credit
CON-350	Internship	5
	TOTAL CREDITS	5

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Fall Semester II	Course Title	Credit
CON-149	Carpentry III	6
CON-270	Mechanical Systems	3
HEQ-131	Safety and Introduction to Heavy Equipment	3
SOC-114	Conflict Resolution in the Workplace	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	15

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Spring Semester II	Course Title	Credit
CON-128	Construction Management Estimating	3
CON-262	Commercial Carpentry II	6
CON-345	Soils and Concrete	3
SOC-115	Social Problems	3
Take 1 of 2 courses
ART-133	Drawing	3
SPC-112	Public Speaking	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	18

CON-147 - Carpentry I

Lecture: 3

Lab: 6

Credit: 6

This is a course designed to enable students to develop basic skills and knowledge in carpentry. Included in this course is the study of construction techniques with emphasis on basic safety, basic math, introduction to hand and power tools, basic rigging, fasteners, wood building materials, floor and wall systems, site preparation, concrete and reinforcement materials, concrete handling and forming foundations and flatwork. This course will introduce the national OSHA safety standards for general construction and upon completion of this course students will receive the OSHA 10 hour General Construction certification.

CON-332 - Construction Materials and Resources

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed as a comprehensive overview of the construction industry and materials used in the profession. It is a conceptual treatment of the construction-personnel production system. Also included is a study of the materials of construction, their properties, manufactures, characteristics and applications.

MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

CAD-101 - Introduction to CAD

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

An introduction to computer aided design and drafting. Actual hands-on experience in designing, drawing and dimensioning using CAD micro-based CAD software. The course presents logical step-by-step instruction about the CAD commands, mode settings, drawing aids, shortcuts and other valuable characteristics of CAD. Finished copies of the students’ work will be made on a printer or plotter.

CON-113 - Construction Printreading

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

Stresses principles of interpreting trade blueprints and reading of specifications basic to all aspects of the trades. Deals with types of line, development and arrangement of views, dimensioning practices and invisible edges. Practical problems from prints suited to the particular trade will be incorporated.

CON-148 - Carpentry II

Lecture: 3

Lab: 6

Credit: 6

A course designed to further enable students to develop carpentry skills with emphasis on special floor, wall and roof systems, reading plans and elevations, field engineering principles, forming and water and damp proofing. Prerequisite: CON-147.

CON-252 - Construction Electricity

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course introduces the requirements for and installation of residential and light commercial electrical systems. Emphasis will be placed on local and national Electrical Codes. Hands-on experience will include such activities as basic wiring of the service entrance, panel box, circuits, switches, receptacles, telephone and TV jacks, door chimes, smoke detectors and other similar electrical devices. This course is specifically designed for those students choosing a Construction or Design curriculum.

ENG-105 - Composition I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.

ENG-110 - Writing for the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Writing for the Workplace prepares students for the various types of written communication required by professional employers. In this class, students learn how to write informal and formal documents and reports in the design and style of career-related communication with a focus on audience, purpose, subject and genre and how they affect our writing choices. This course also includes a review of grammar and usage skills, as well as emphasizes effective language use in real-world applications. Prerequisites: ENG-013 with a minimum grade of C-or meet minimum placement test score requirements. No Waivers.

CON-350 - Internship

On Job Training: 20

Credit: 5

Provides the student with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning and experiences in a construction industry setting. Internship agreement must be completed before students may enroll. Prerequisite: At least two construction courses must be completed with a minimum grade of a C in each course.

CON-149 - Carpentry III

Lecture: 3

Lab: 6

Credit: 6

A continuation of carpentry skills with emphasis on stair construction, reinforcing concrete, patented forms, interior finish: ceiling systems, exterior wall finishes, roofing applications and installation of cornices, gutters and downspouts. Prerequisite: CON-148.

CON-270 - Mechanical Systems

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

A course designed to introduce students to the requirements of residential and light commercial plumbing, heating and ventilation systems. Emphasis will be placed on local and national code requirements. Study will include the building requirements to receive each system, determining the size of system components and the theory of size calculations. Hands-on experience will include such activities as working with DWV piping, water supply piping, plumbing fixtures, heat and vent ducting, heating controls and ventilation components.

HEQ-131 - Safety and Introduction to Heavy Equipment

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This is an introduction to the equipment, jobs, working conditions, maintenance and safety of equipment operation.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

CON-128 - Construction Management Estimating

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Interpretation of construction drawings and specifications. Introduction to estimating quantities, cost of materials and labor costs. Work methods, job planning, project scheduling and control, field administration and management procedures of contracting will be covered.

CON-262 - Commercial Carpentry II

Lecture: 3

Lab: 6

Credit: 6

A course of further carpentry with emphasis on finished stairs, introduction to supervision, laser instruments, supplements to ceiling systems, metal studs and drywall, interior finish: doors and windows, wall and floor specialties and cabinetry. Prerequisite: CON-149.

CON-345 - Soils and Concrete

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is a study of the characteristics of soil and concrete. Such components as design, core samples, grain structure, compaction and strength test, mixes, treatments, reinforcement, "slump test", etc., will be covered as well as varied application and installation methods.

SOC-115 - Social Problems

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An investigation into a selection of social problems involving alternative solutions. Topics may include drug and alcohol abuse, crime, violence, prejudice and discrimination, and human sexuality.

ART-133 - Drawing

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A beginning drawing class in a variety of media using an assortment of subjects. The student will explore theories and concepts of drawing.

SPC-112 - Public Speaking

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery and audience analysis.

Douglas Riley - Assistant Professor - Construction Technology

Email: driley@scciowa.edu
AA, Southeastern Community College
BA, Iowa Wesleyan College