Course Description:

The Foundations of Building and Construction course (ed. 2015) is the Core Curriculum of the Construction and Development Cluster. The NCCER Core Curriculum is taught within this course and is the basis for all construction skills. NCCER strongly recommends that students successfully complete the Core Curriculum before advancing to Level One of their chosen field. The course of study descriptions correlate to the modules of the NCCER national standards and related work-based learning opportunities. The following modules are designed to be completed in approximately 80 hours of instruction and allows for an estimated 20 hours of related “hand-on” applications/work-based learning opportunities to reinforce and extend the learning.

The course of study includes demonstration of student mastery of the following topics:

OSHA-10 Safety Training (10 hrs). Includes fall protection, electrocution, OSHA inspection procedures.
NCCER Basic Safety (12.5 hrs). Includes personal protective equipment, performance safety, and what to do if an accident occurs.
Introduction to Construction Math (10 hrs). From basic addition to multiplying fractions, this module prepares students to do the calculations they’ll be performing on the job site.
Introduction to Hand Tools (10 hrs). Covers basic tools and equipment used in the field. Also covers maintenance instructions and safety tips.
Introduction to Power Tools (10 hrs). Provides instructions for tools powered by electricity, batteries, and pressurized air, such as drills, saws, grinders and sanders, and other common construction equipment. Also covers maintenance instructions and safety tips.
Introduction to Construction Drawings (10 hrs). Introduces students to different types of plans and how they represent a finished building. Shows the parts of blueprint in detail, including symbols, title block, and gridlines.
Introduction to Basic Rigging (7.5 hrs). Covers the slings, hardware, hoists, and hitches used in rigging operations. Also highlights critical safety issues and accepted rigging techniques and practices.
Basic Communication Skills (7.5 hrs). Covers information and skills needed to communicate effectively and clearly.
Basic Employability Skills (7.5 hrs). Provides guidance related to finding and securing a position in the construction trades.
Introduction to Material Handling (5 hrs). Covers safety guidelines for workers handling materials on the job site.
Hands-On Experiences (20 hrs). Provides hands-on experiences in each of the trades areas so that students can gain a working knowledge of the construction industry.

Given the emphasis on providing a broad introduction to the Career Cluster in this course, one module from the Carpentry Level One curriculum will be provided (listed below). Additional modules and/or academic remediation (including communication and employability skills) may be provided given an estimated additional 35 hours of instructional time in the first credit/course.

Orientation to the Trade. Reviews the history of the trade, describes the apprentice program, identifies career opportunities for carpentry and construction workers, and list the responsibilities and characteristics for success.

Schools may explore the use of SkillsUSA Professional Development Program (PDP) resources to enhance career development and workplace readiness knowledge and skills.

Somerset County Technical High School

Construction Trades Professions - Carpentry

1. Foundations of Building Technology and Construction (NCCER Core)

2. Carpentry Essentials I

3. Carpentry Concentrator I

4. Carpentry Concentrator II

Staff

Joe Webster