Construction Technology, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree
Program Overview
Peninsula College's Construction Technology program prepares students for careers in sustainable construction, alternative building methods, and construction management. The program covers a wide range of topics, including woodworking, framing, blueprint reading, green building concepts, and job site management. Graduates may find employment as carpenters, construction managers, or in other related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Peninsula College's Construction Technology program is a crucial component of the college's commitment to workforce training in sustainable industries. The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Construction Technology offers a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for employment in sustainable green construction trades, alternative building materials and methods, and construction management. Foundation classes cover basic woodworking, foundations framing, roof systems, and alternative energy. Core courses teach students green building concepts and design, engineered building materials, blueprint reading, and alternative building methods. Capstone classes include jobsite management, construction leadership, and estimation. Instruction consists of classroom presentations, hands-on training in lab settings, and online learning modules.
Objectives:
- Use hand tools and power machinery safely
- Perform all aspects of basic carpentry
- Perform energy-efficient tasks on a new residential structure
- Perform an energy analysis on an existing structure
- Research, plan, design, and implement an energy-efficient retrofit plan
- Develop and design a building retrofit that meets Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) and International Living Building Institute (ILBI) standards
Outline:
Program Content:
- Introduction to woodworking
- Foundations and framing
- Woodworking II
- Blueprint reading
- Roof systems and roofing
- Finish carpentry
- Siding, decks, and stairs
- Construction Technology, concepts, and design
- Job site management
- Alternative building methods
- Building permits and codes
- Facilities maintenance
- Carpentry estimation
- Small farm and backyard carpentry
- Engineered building materials and methods
- Construction management
Course Schedule:
First Quarter (Fall)
- Introduction to Microsoft Excel
- Introduction to woodworking
- Foundations and framing
- Human relations
Second Quarter (Winter)
- English Composition I
- Woodworking II
- Blueprint reading
- Roof systems and roofing
Third Quarter (Spring)
- Applied Math for Professional & Tech Programs I
- Finish carpentry
- Siding, decks, and stairs
Fourth Quarter (Fall)
- Elective, Internship, or Special Project
- Construction Technology, concepts, and design
- Job site management
- Alternative building methods
Fifth Quarter (Winter)
- Building permits and codes
- Elective or Advisor Approved Elective
- Carpentry estimation
Sixth Quarter (Spring)
- Industrial First Aid
- Small farm and backyard carpentry
- Engineered building materials and methods
- Construction management
Individual Module Descriptions:
Introduction to Microsoft Excel:
Develop beginning through intermediate spreadsheet skills in Microsoft Excel and associated technologies. Create, edit, and format spreadsheets; analyze data using formulas, manage workbook data, create and analyze table data. Interactive training and skill-based assessments are completed in a virtual environment; projects are based on real-world business situations.
Introduction to Woodworking:
Introduction to woodworking tools, materials, hand and power tools used in residential and commercial jobsites. Overview of the woodworking industry, safety, and building materials.
Foundations and Framing:
Introduction to the beginning carpentry phases of conventional stick frame residential and light commercial construction. Learn International Building Codes as they apply to foundations and framing.
Human Relations:
Survey of workplace skills, including communication, team building, problem-solving, and leadership. Emphasis on concepts of perception, attitude, motivation, and ethics.
English Composition I:
Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques.
Woodworking II:
Students will explore the art of creating finished pieces and establishing a career in the woodworking industry. This class covers advanced woodworking, cabinet making, and Labor and Industry guidelines for shop floor plans and walkways. Students will construct using jigs and templates.
Blueprint Reading:
Introduction on how to read and use blueprints to construct residential and commercial structures. Course emphasis will be on learning to read blueprints and how to apply different types of foundations, framing, and interior and exterior finishes. Learn how building codes apply to various stages of construction.
Roof Systems and Roofing:
Focus on the proper and safe construction of both rafter and truss roof systems. Students will learn about various roofing materials, practice flashing, and install multiple roofing products.
Finish Carpentry:
Students will learn finish carpentry techniques, craftsmanship finishing touches on construction projects. Learn about traditional, colonial, and modern construction styles, including interior and exterior trim.
Siding, Decks, and Stairs:
Focus on three of the most functional and visible elements of any residential construction or light commercial project: siding, decks, and stairs. Code compliance will be a major focus of deck and stair system construction.
Construction Technology, Concepts, and Design:
Learn Construction Technology techniques and processes and how they apply to modern stick-framed residential and light commercial building. Design and orient a house plan. Practice advanced framing, insulation, air infiltration, and material selection. Learn the United States Construction Technology Council LEED process. Explore eligibility requirements from Energy Star and Clallam Built Green.
Job Site Management:
Introduction to construction job site management. Learn OSHA and Washington State Department of Labor and Industries requirements for job site safety. Control of resources and materials on the job site as well as the proper order and flow of jobs on the worksite. Negotiate with labor and subcontractors. Teach students leadership skills to work as a foreman or contractor on a construction site.
Alternative Building Methods:
Focus on building engineered wood products into traditional stick framing as well as construction using Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS), Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), and other nontraditional, yet existing and allowable building methods for today's construction industry.
Building Permits and Codes:
Learn building codes and standards applicable to building construction and the inspection process. Focus on various local jurisdictions and differences in the permit and inspection process. Study the basic building codes necessary for carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) as well as where to locate advanced code requirements.
Facilities Maintenance:
Learn basic facilities maintenance skills in plumbing, HVAC, carpentry tools, electrical, building codes, and permits. Emphasize safety and standards necessary to repair and maintain residential homes, buildings, and facilities.
Carpentry Estimation:
Cover practices for successful cost estimation of residential and light commercial construction. Students will conduct material 'take-offs' then put their skill to use, estimating materials such as lumber, roofing, windows, doors, permits applications, professional fees for architects and engineers, waste, time, and overhead.
Small Farm and Backyard Carpentry:
Learn the necessary skills required to research, design, and build backyard farm and garden structures that promote efficiency of urban sustainable living.
Engineered Building Materials and Methods:
Focus on the role and use of engineered wood, steel, and fast-growing plants in the construction world. Start with Glulams, finger-jointed studs, and manufactured trusses. Learn about cutting-edge engineered building materials like mass timbers, cross-laminated timbers, and thermally modified wood and their impact on the Construction Technology Movement.
Construction Management:
Learn leadership and ethics for construction management and the business of being a contractor. Explore legal requirements and risk analysis for a construction project.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Cabinetmaker
- Carpenter
- Construction management
- Form builder
- Framer
Opportunities:
- Graduates may find entry-level positions in residential and small commercial carpentry businesses and other related companies.