CTE: Building Skills Laboratories
Hello, students! My name is David Gahagan, and I am incredibly excited to welcome you to this new course Building Skills. With over 20 years of experience in education, I am passionate about teaching and helping students achieve their full potential.
As a teacher of social studies, I have seen how important it is for students to have a practical understanding of the world around them. That's why I am thrilled to be teaching this course, which is designed to equip you with the basic knowledge required to enter the construction trades.
In addition to my extensive experience in education, I have spent 4.5 years working in a commercial woodshop and carpentry business. During that time, I gained valuable experience in carpentry, joinery, and woodworking. I have also spent 10 years working in residential home maintenance, which has given me a wealth of practical knowledge to share. In addition to those experiences I also spent 3 years as a Machinist apprentice in a Machine shop in Anaheim.
Above all, I love working outside, building new things with my hands, and using tools. I believe that learning by doing is the best way to gain practical knowledge and experience, and I am excited to share this philosophy with you. I am committed to making this course a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for all of you. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in construction or simply want to gain some practical skills, I am here to help you achieve your goals.
Industry Introduction:
Welcome to the world of construction! Whether you are interested in carpentry, masonry, or electrical work, this course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue your interests in the construction trades.
We will begin by learning about basic safety practices in construction, which is essential to ensure that you and your coworkers stay safe on the job site. From there, we will explore the math concepts that underpin construction work, from calculating measurements to estimating materials.
Next, we will delve into the world of hand tools and power tools, learning how to properly use and maintain them for maximum efficiency and safety. We will also explore the importance of communication skills in construction, from reading and interpreting construction drawings to effectively communicating with your team members.
Throughout the course, we will focus on employability skills, including how to handle materials safely and efficiently, as well as basic rigging techniques that are essential in construction work.
For those interested in carpentry, we will delve into the world of woodwork, including framing, finishing, and cabinetry. If you're interested in electrical work, we'll explore the basics of electrical systems, from wiring and circuits to switches and outlets. And for those interested in masonry, we'll cover the fundamentals of bricklaying and stonework.
No matter which trade you choose to pursue, this course will provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of construction, and we're excited to help you discover your passion for the trades.
Class Description:
CTE Building Skills is an instructional program that prepares an individual for employment or continued education in the occupations of Carpentry, Electrical Wiring, Masonry, or Plumbing. Construction Technology is a basic course teaching fundamentals of safety, tools, math, and basic carpentry, electrical, masonry, and plumbing skills.
Course Objectives:
1. To introduce and master shop/construction safety precaution and awareness.
2. To reinforce basic math skills by incorporation of practical application.
3. To identify hand and power tools and describe their uses.
4. To introduce the students to reading and interpreting construction blueprints.
5. To identify construction materials and describe their uses.
6. To introduce the students to basic skills and knowledge in fields of Rigging, Carpentry, Electrical Wiring, Masonry, and Plumbing.
Course Outline:
Module 1: Basic Safety
Module 2: Introduction to Construction Math
Module 3: Introduction to Hand Tools
Module 4: Introduction to Power Tools
Module 5: Introduction to Construction Drawings
Module 6: Introduction to Concrete Skills
Module 7: HVAC Skills
Module 8: Basic Employability Skills
Module 9: Introduction to Material Handling
Module 10: Introduction to Carpentry
Module 11: Introduction to Electrical Basics
Module 12: Introduction to Masonry Basics
Module 13: Drywall and Painting Skills
Module 14: Plumbing Skills
How does this apply to the Real World? I have heard this question a 1000 times over my teaching career. That is what makes this course so special, the Real World and using Real World Skills is the primary focus of this course.
These skills are utilized in the construction workforce and are essential for success in a career in construction.
Basic safety practices in construction to ensure a safe work environment for all.
Basic math skills including calculating measurements and estimating materials needed for construction.
Proper use and maintenance of hand tools and power tools.
The ability to read and interpret construction drawings and blueprints.
Effective communication skills with team members and clients.
Basic employability skills such as punctuality, reliability, and teamwork.
Basic rigging techniques for moving heavy materials safely and efficiently.
Material handling techniques to ensure proper transport and storage of construction materials.
Knowledge of carpentry techniques such as framing, finishing, and cabinetry.
Understanding of electrical systems, including wiring and circuits.
Familiarity with basic masonry techniques such as bricklaying and stonework.
Attention to detail and precision in all work performed.
Problem-solving skills to address challenges that may arise during construction projects.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Understanding of construction materials and their properties.
Knowledge of different types of construction projects and their requirements.
Understanding of different types of construction contracts.
Time management skills to ensure efficient use of time on construction projects.
Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate effectively with others.
Strong work ethic and dedication to excellence in all work performed.
How will this course help me get a Job after I graduate?
Congratulations! You have completed a whole semester of the Construction Technology course, and you are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to take on a variety of construction projects with confidence.
At the end of this course, you will be able to read and interpret construction drawings and blueprints, accurately estimate materials needed for a project, and safely use both hand and power tools to complete construction tasks. You will also have a strong understanding of basic rigging techniques, material handling, and employability skills, making you a valuable member of any construction team.
If you are interested in carpentry, you will be able to construct basic frames, cabinetry, and finishes with precision and attention to detail. For those interested in electrical work, you will have a solid understanding of electrical systems and wiring, including how to install and troubleshoot wiring and circuits. And for those interested in masonry, you will be able to lay bricks and stones with skill and precision.
In addition to these trade-specific skills, you will have developed essential employability skills such as time management, teamwork, and problem-solving. You will be able to work efficiently under pressure and meet project deadlines, and you will have a strong work ethic and dedication to excellence in all work performed.
Overall, you will be prepared to take on a variety of construction projects, from residential home maintenance to commercial building construction. Congratulations on a semester of hard work and dedication to the construction trades!
Construction INdustry Employment Information
Overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 252,900 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 723,400 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.
The median annual wage for this group was $48,210 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
OCCUPATION
JOB SUMMARY
ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
2021 MEDIAN PAY
Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.
High school diploma or equivalent
$64,290
Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
High school diploma or equivalent
$48,260
Construction and Building Inspectors
Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
High school diploma or equivalent
$61,640
Construction Equipment Operators
Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings, and other structures.
High school diploma or equivalent
$48,290
Construction Laborers and Helpers
Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.
$37,520
Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting.
No formal educational credential
$48,350
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
High school diploma or equivalent
$60,040
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.
High school diploma or equivalent
$97,860
Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters
Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials.
No formal educational credential
$47,310
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.
High school diploma or equivalent
$47,180
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.
High school diploma or equivalent
$46,300
Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.
$46,760
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.
High school diploma or equivalent
$57,160
Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures.
$48,040
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures.
No formal educational credential
$45,590
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.
High school diploma or equivalent
$59,880
Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings.
No formal educational credential
$47,110
Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.
High school diploma or equivalent
$53,440
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.
High school diploma or equivalent
$47,670
Last Modified Date: Thursday, September 8, 2022
Resources
Explore these videos to learn more about CTE and Construction Technology!