Building Trades
Houses, schools, factories, office buildings, and other structures all need to be built and/or renovated to provide basic human comforts such as water, electricity, heating, and air conditioning. This program introduces the basics of building science. With the recent increase in building projects in southern Michigan, the job outlook is bright for hard-working, trained, and certified construction professionals.
Program Description
Students start by learning basic safety procedures and earning their 10-hour OSHA certificate. They quickly learn to use hand and power tools safely and learn the basics of building science – foundations, framing, exterior, and interior finishes. Students also learn valuable industry skills such as estimating, design, building permits, and job interviewing skills. Students will explore other construction industry professions such as construction manager, electrician, plumbing, and HVAC tech.
To Be Successful
Successful students will have fundamental math skills in measuring, fractions, and decimals as well as the ability to balance social and work interactions. They enjoy building projects and physical activity. Students in this program like to work with their hands, follow directions well, have good work habits, and work well either independently or in a team.
Student Organization
SkillsUSA
Program Success Indicators
Academic
- Add and subtract fractions
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers
- Linear measurement to 1/16"
- Determine area and perimeter of geometric shapes
- Understand how to read blueprints
Interpersonal
- Follow directions
- Interest in program area
- Consistent attendance
- Positive attitude
- Work in teams/problem solve
- Persevere until skill is attained
- Be able to work independently
- Accept constructive criticism
- Complete assigned work in a timely manner; meet deadlines, prioritize tasks
Program Specific
- Enjoy hands-on work
- Enjoy physical activity
- Work in all types of climate
- Work safely around power tools
- Work in loud, noisy environment
Related Careers
Note: Additional education may be required.
- Construction Management
- Carpenter
- Building Maintenance
- Plumber
- Job Estimator
- Inspector
- Facility Management
- Electrician
- HVACR Technician
- Project Manager
High School Credit*
*The LISD TECH Center recommends the academic credit listed. Credit can only be awarded by local districts.
- 1.0 4th Math
- 1.0 3rd Science (in lieu of)
- 1.0 World Languages (in lieu of)
- 1.0 Visual, Performing, & Applied Arts
- 1.0 Online Learning Experience
College Credit Opportunities*
*College credit can only be awarded by the college or university. Certain requirements must be met outside of completing the program.
- Davenport University
- Siena Heights University
- Washtenaw Community College
Certification Opportunities
- 10-hour OSHA certificate
- Carpenters International Training Fund (CITF)
Instructor
Scott Biggs has been in the construction industry for over 30 years. During that time he has experienced residential and commercial construction, facilities maintenance, lumber retail, and entrepreneurship in the construction industry. He is also a part-time professor at Washtenaw Community College in Construction Technology and teaches adult education classes and summer career camps for the Lenawee Intermediate School District. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kaplan University and received his CTE Teaching certificate from Western Michigan University.
Teacher Assistant
Angelo Gross has worked within the residential building industry for over 40 years in various roles. Twenty of those years were exclusively as both a rough and finish carpenter as well as a project superintendent. The last twenty two years have included interior finish trim sales and estimating as well as part-time lab instructor in the Construction Technology program at Washtenaw Community College.
