Construction Trades

Our mission is to provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and work habits to excel in their careers and future learning.

Course

Construction Technology

National Career Cluster

Architecture & Construction Pathway

Michigan Career Pathway

Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Technology Pathway

Instructor

Jerry Johnson
517.244.1397
Alma College B.A.
Wayne State University – Masters of Arts in Teaching
State of Michigan Professional Cert. - Construction Trades

Instructional Assistant

Keith Cox, 517.244.1339                                                    

Types of Credit                                

See High School Credit Options

Note: Local districts award high school credit, not the WTC.

Articulation Agreements              

• Davenport University – up to 13 credits

State Approved Credential:

Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation Residential Construction Skills Certification SBMCERT

Program Description

Construction Technology is designed and implemented as a two-year program. The program is divided into two halves and the curriculum alternates between the two years. So as a two-year student you will receive all of the materials offered/covered. 

Students will study safety, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, civil construction and success skills while in this class. This will be done to prepare the student to be able to enter, compete, and advance in the workplace. 

Students are given the opportunity for success through various methods of instruction coupled  with hands on experience. They will be given support as needed to help prepare them to be successful in the field of their choice and be a productive member of society.

Course Topics

• Basic understanding of building process
• Basic understanding of rough carpentry
• Basic understanding of finish carpentry
• Basic understanding of electrical
• Basic understanding of plumbing
• Basic understanding of HVAC
• Basic understanding of green construction
• Basic understanding of civil construction / heavy equipment
• Basic understanding of construction management
• Employable calculator and math skills
• Teamwork and leadership skills
• Skills to seek out, obtain, and keep a job
• All aspects of construction safety

Exit Outcomes

The student will have acquired enough knowledge and experience to be able to continue with their chosen field. This can be done through further education in a university, trade school, apprentice program, or entry level construction position.

Work Based Learning Opportunities

• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Civil Construction / heavy equipment
• HVAC
• Field trips
• Guest Speakers

Grading Policy

35% Work Habits
25% Shop Performance and projects
25% Assignments
10% Planner pages/Notes
5% Electronic Use

A   93-100%
A-  90-92%
B+ 87-89%
B   83-86%
B-  80-82%
C+  77-79%
C 73-76%
C-   70-72%
D+   67-69%
D 66-63%
D-    60-62%
E    59% and below
W   Withdrawal

Standard Test Taking Rules

• No talking, If you have questions, speak to the instructor, not another student. Talking may be interpreted as cheating, and those rules will then apply.
• You may use a 3 x 5 notecard prepared outside of class and a blank sheet of paper.
• You may sit in a different location.
• If you have any other requests for taking the test, please ask the teacher so I can help accommodate your needs.
• If you have an IEP or 504 plan, I will provide all of the accommodations you request that are not already listed above.

Cheating Policy

Students are expected to complete their own work. Any student found cheating will receive a zero on the assignment or project. Students who assist or enable cheating will also receive a zero.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to give their best effort daily and to contribute positively to the class environment. This includes supporting peers and helping maintain a productive learning space. Students must follow all school and classroom rules as outlined in the WTC handbooks, construction program guidelines, lesson plans and instructor directions.

Growth is expected. Work quality and behavior that may be acceptable early in the learning process may not be acceptable as skills develop and expectations increase.

Attendance Expectations

Students are required to follow all policies outlined in the student handbook as a minimum standard. Construction students are expected to be present and participate in class each day WTC is open, according to the sending school's schedule. In addition to the student handbook grading scale for work habits, any unexcused absences in a marking period will result in a zero for work habits attendance. The definition of unexcused is found in the handbook.

Dress Code

Proper attire is expected every day, regardless if we are in class or the shop.   Students are provided with lockers at school to contain proper construction attire. The standards were developed with input from the Construction Trades advisory board, and meet industry standards and safety requirements. Students are required to have: 

Shirts: Must have sleeves and a crew neck collar.

Pants: Must be full-length, free of holes, and made of a durable material appropriate for worksite protection.

Footwear: Must fully enclose the foot, provide exterior protection, and have a hard sole to prevent punctures.