General Construction Technology Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
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The General Construction Technology program prepares students to enter the residential and commercial construction industry. Students will learn estimating, concrete, masonry, framing, dry-wall, basic electrical, basic plumbing, roofing, hand and power tools, rigging and materials handling, along with site safety.

The program conveniently combines knowledge of the construction process and highly essential technical skills.

Apart from the core curriculum, learners are trained for the job-seeking process through guest speakers, workplace visits, integrated projects, simulated lab experience, field trips, resume building workshops, mock interviews. During the program, accommodations and modifications are provided to high school students based on the IEP/504.

The general construction technology curriculum is divided into two semesters, with each one lasting several weeks. For Semester 1, students will go through Units 1 to 7, which include NCCER Core Curriculum, masonry, floor systems, concrete, wall systems, site layout, and projects focused on real-world application of skills, knowledge, and standards.

Semester 2 has six units (Units 8 to 14) and will have students focus on construction technologies such as electrical/HVAC, roof applications, stairs, doors/windows, plumbing, exterior/interior finish, and post-assessment that includes real-world applications, CTSO integration, and certification, among others.

After completion of the two-year construction technology program, successful candidates will be prepared to seek one or more certifications like the occupational and Health Safety (OSHA) 10. Moreover, West-MEC offers industry credential tests at no additional cost. Students will now have a strong foundation, knowledge, and training for a career in general construction technology. With this program and certification, students are provided with a pathway to economic independence.

CAREER PATHWAYS
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The following are the careers that a student could pursue after receiving their certification(s) are:

With Program Completion (Entry Level)

• Construction Site Laborer
• Electrical Apprentice
• Plumbing Apprentice
• Landscaper
• Construction Material Salesperson
• Lumber Store Worker

Associate’s Degree, Apprenticeship, Advanced Certification (Technical Careers)

• Carpenter
• Plumber
• Mason
• Electrician
• Roofing Contractor
• Heavy Equipment Contractor
• Surveyor/Building Surveyor
• Crew Foreman
• Concrete Finisher/Contractor

For students who choose to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree, PhD, Masters Degree, or Specialized Training, the following careers await them:

• Architect
• Civil Engineer
• Construction Teacher
• Building Engineer
• CAD Engineer
• Architectural Manager
• Building Inspector

General Construction entry-level salary: $12.05 – $18.27 per hour**

*with additional education in this pathway | **Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wages