Building Construction Technology
INSTRUCTOR SONNY BRUNEY
I grew up locally. I’m married with two children and two grandchildren.
I have worked in the construction industry for over 20 years and was looking for something new.
I decided to apply for the BCT Instructor position when I heard the current instructor for the trade was moving on. I got the job and started at Tongue Point in March 2020. It was the first Monday after all the students had been released and sent home because of COVID-19.
New job, no students it was a very odd time. With this job I am happy to be inside more often than not, and out of the weather.
My favorite part of being here is I still get to play with all the cool tools and I get to pass on my knowledge to the students.
The one thing I tell my students is that after they leave to keep in touch and to please brag to me about how much more money they make than me.
I feel the most important things students should learn from me is SAFETY and to protect yourself and others.
JOB CORPS’ BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM IS A PRE-APPRENTICE TRAINING PROGRAM OFFERED BY HOME BUILDERS INSTITUTE (HBI).
OVERVIEW
Students participating in building construction technology learn to construct a variety of components in structural buildings. This vocation introduces students to a variety of construction areas including Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Carpentry. Students must master the names and uses of the various hand and power tools, as well the skills to use them efficiently. They must also become familiar with all the trade terminology and be proficient at related math.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, solving arithmetic problems accurately, physical fitness and agility, climbing, lifting, and handling of heavy materials. Listening and understanding information and ideas presented through written and spoken words.
SKILLS
Students in Building Construction Technology are trained in the following subject areas:
Learn how to use carpentry and masonry skills to maintain existing facilities
Use tools and equipment to repair facility structures and systems
Maintain systems that keep a building safe and secure
Finish and seal building surfaces
Develop skills in landscaping to maintain a facility’s grounds
CAREER OPTIONS
Most Building Construction Technology Job Corps graduates go into an apprenticeship program and thereafter go to work using what they learned under one of the specialty TARs (electrical, solar, HVAC). On the job, students will be expected to display integrity, dependability, attention to detail, independence, problem-solving, and cooperation.
REQUIREMENTS
Before entering the Career Technical Training (CTT) program, students must:
Complete all required activity in the Career Preparation Period, including Career Exploration and Career Success/Workplace Skills.
Before completing the CTT Program, students must meet basic academic requirements in math and reading. Demonstrate the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and correctly, plus high school level algebra. Show comprehension of written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
To complete a student must:
Have completed High School Diploma or GED.
OSHA 10.
Attained a Driver License.
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
Students attend classes Monday through Friday. On average students can complete the BCT program within 12 to 16 months depending on the student's academic levels (math & reading and High School Diploma/GED status), and need to acquire a driver license before completing.
CREDENTIALS
Students have the opportunity to earn credentials in the training area that may lead to greater employment opportunities, higher wages, and promotions.
EXPECTATIONS
While on the job, they are expected to display the following traits at all times:
Attention to detail
Cooperation
Dependability
Independence
Integrity
Problem-solving skills
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY NUMBERS TO KNOW
$36,000 National average earning potential for this career
Average Entry Wage: Apprentice Entry level $17.00 to $22.00 per hour.
Credentials - These are the credentials students have the opportunity to earn.
HBI BCT PRE-APPRENTICE
HBI BCT FUNDEMENTALS SPECIALTY
HBI CARPENTRY FUNDAMENTALS SPECIALITY
HBI ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS SPECIALTY
HBI HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) FUNDEMENTALS SPECIALTY
HBI PLUMBING FUNDAMENTALS SPECIALTY
IREC RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR PV TECHNICIAN
IREC SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
EPA 608
WEATHERIZATION INSTALLATION AND FUNDAMENTAL
OSHA 10
RENOVATOR - LEAD AWARENESS RRP INITIAL
COUNTERBALANCED FORKLIFT
TRAFFIC CONTROL FLAGGER
LOCKOUT/TAGOUT - HAZARDOUS ENERGY
LADDER SAFETY
CPR/FIRST AID
GREEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATION
POWDER ACTUATED TOOLS CERTIFICATION
BOOM LIFT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
Work Force Council Assessment Form
The assessment form that you fill out will greatly aid us in keeping our training programs relevant for your industries. Please take a few more minutes of your time at the end of today's meeting to complete this form.
Hover over the image to the left and then click the upper left corner in the box with the arrow in it, the form will open in a new tab. When you are done with the form just click the submit button.
BCT Training Achievement Record (TAR)
Job Corps does not assign grades. Instead, it allows students to demonstrate their skill (competency) in a given subject area or training area. Instructors will mark the completion of training on a student's Training and Achievement Record (TAR). The proficiency levels on the TAR are 1, 2, and 3. Level 1 being that the student has been introduced to the tool/task, but is not yet proficient enough to do it on their own. Level 2 brings the student to the point where they are comfortable with the tool/task and can accomplish it on their own. Level 3 proficiency is when the student is highly proficient with the tool/task and to the point of being able to teach others. Students must attain at least a 2 proficiency level on all items to complete the trade.
Click here to view the TAR's in more detail.
BCT Skill Sections Credit Hours
A. Safety 100
B. Tools 40
C. Trade Math 40
D. Measurement 30
E. Blueprint Identification 10
F. Temporary Work Platforms 20
G. Anchors and Fasteners 10
H. Carpentry Basics 30
I. Plumbing Basics 20
J. Electrical Basics 20
K. Painting Basics 20
L. Landscaping Basics 20
M. HVAC Basics 20
N. Employability Skills ___
Core Section Credit Hours 380
Specialty TAR Area of Study Additional Hours
Building Construction
Technology Fundamentals 680
Carpentry Fundamentals 555
Electrical Fundamentals 680
Heating, Ventilation and
Air Conditioning (HVAC) 665
Plumbing Fundamentals 660
Solar Thermal Systems 425
Solar PV System 425
Instructor Wish List
1. (4) Skilsaw SHD77M Magnetic Worm Drive Corded Circular Saw (120 V, 15A, 7-1/4”)
2. Milwaukee 2674-22C M18 18V Short Throw Press Tool Kit w/ PEX Crimp Jaws
3. M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander Kit w/ ½”-1” RAPID SEAL ProPEX Expander Heads
4. Work Sharp WS3000 Tool Sharpener
5. (1) SmartBoard
6. (1) HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless All-in-One Color Printer, Scan, Copy, Best for Home Office, 6 Months of free Ink with HP+ (228F5A)
7. Makita- XBU02PT- 18V X2 (36V) Lxt BI Blower w/ 2 Batteries
8. Variable Speed 10” x 30” Benchtop Mini Metal Lathe Spindle Bore 130/127” (36mm)
9. ½” to 1” M12 Force Logic Copper Press Tool Kit
Typical Tools & Equipment
AUGER, PIPE & SEWER MOTORIZED
BENCHTOP ROUTER TABLE
BRAD NAILER18 GAUGE
CLEANER, PIPE/DRAIN
COMPRESSOR, AIR DBL TANK
CUTTER, TILE
DREMEL ROTARY TOOL
DRILL PRESS
DRILL, ELEC, RECHARGEABLE
DRILL, ELECTRIC, ANGLE
DRILL, ELECTRIC, PORTABLE
EDGER, LAWN, GAS
EDGER, LAWN/WEED EATER
FINISH NAILER
FLOOR NAILER
FLUKE MULTIMETER
FRAMING NAILER
GENERATOR, ELEC
GRINDER, PORTABLE, ELECTRIC
GUN, STUD DRIVER
HAMMER, PORTABLE, ELECTRIC
HAMMER, ROTARY RECHARGEABLE
HOLE HAWG 1/2 INC
LAWNMOWER, 21" & 36" commercial
LINE TRIMMER, Gas
MIXER, MUD
OSCILLATING MULTI TOOL
PLANER, WOOD, PORTABLE, ELECTRIC
ROLLER, LINOLEUM
ROOFING NAILER
ROUTER, PORTABLE ELECTRIC
SANDER, Belt and Orbital
SAW, BAND, 14 INCH
SAW, CIRCULAR, PORTABLE, ELECTRIC
SAW, JIG, PORTABLE
SAW, METAL CUTTING, CIRCULAR
SAW, MITER
SAW, PANEL, HD
SAW, RECIPROCATING
SAW, TABLE, TILTING
SPRAYER OUTFIT, AIRLESS
SPRAYER OUTFIT, PR0JECT
STAPLER, PNEUMATIC
THERMOMETER, IR
THREADER, PIPE, ELEC, W/STAND
TOOL, CUTOFF
TRANSIT, LEVEL
VACUUM, WET/DRY
WASHER, INDUSTRIAL POWER
WRENCH, IMPACT, PORT