Building Trades

This two-year program is designed to teach students the basic skills necessary to enter the construction field. The program teaches both carpentry and electrical skills. In carpentry, the student will learn blueprint reading and sketching, construction safety procedures, hand and power tool operation, foundations, sub-flooring, framing, roofs, stairs and basic house construction and codes. In electrical, the student will learn cable and device installation procedures, service entrance, light switching, branch circuits, special purpose branch circuits and electrical code. Residential supply and waste plumbing and HVAC systems are also introduced. Over the two-year program, students gain experience and practice through the construction of a marketable house with an emphasis on energy efficiency and ‘green’ building.

Industry Recognized Certifications:

This program is certified as meeting the construction industry training standards as established by the Associated General Contractors of America. Successful students earn the AGC Certificate that lists the student’s levels of achievement on 27 specific skill areas. Students also complete their OSHA 10 Certification.



The main goal of SkillsUSA is to provide students who are preparing for a wide variety of careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, with professional development opportunities that supplement their academic and technical education. SkillsUSA programs and activities help its 285,000 student members develop public speaking skills, and improve their ability to conduct and participate in meetings, manage financial matters, solve problems, and assume responsibility for community service. Students participate in state leadership conferences and competitions. Each June, students earning first place at the state level in leadership and technical skill competitions, travel to Kansas City, MO to compete at the national conference.