Does a career in construction call to you? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that overall employment in construction jobs will grow by 4% by 2031, due to growth in the industry and the need to replace workers who retire.
Orange Technical College’s Building Construction Technologies program is the place to start if you want to become part of a varied and growing industry. Learn more about what to expect during construction education and how to earn a construction degree.
Construction Degree Program Basics
The Building Construction Technologies program aims to prepare you for a career in construction. The career certificate is your first step toward a new construction job.
All told, the career certificate takes 1,050 hours and is divided into three sections:
- Building Construction Helper, 450 hours
- Building Construction Technician 1, 300 hours
- Building Construction Technician 2, 300 hours
You can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time, the program takes about 11 months. You’ll be in class from 7:45 am until 2:25 pm four days a week and from 7:45 am until 1:25 pm on Wednesdays. The full-time schedule is 29 hours per week.
If you decide to enroll part-time, you can choose between morning or afternoon class sessions for 14.5 hours per week.
Building Construction Technologies Program
During the career certificate program, you’ll gain an understanding of all areas of the construction industry. The curriculum covers the following elements:
- Construction planning
- Management
- Project finances
- Production and technical skills
- Technological principles
- Health and safety concerns
- Environmental issues
Examinations You’ll Take
Throughout your study and learning you’ll have the chance to demonstrate your new skills and knowledge. As you move through the program, you’ll take examinations from the National Center for Construction Education and Research in Construction Technology and Core Curriculum.
To prepare for the Core Curriculum exam, you’ll complete 150 hours of instruction. The core exam is also often used as a construction pre-apprenticeship program, should you decide to start an apprenticeship.
The exam will test your basic knowledge of hand and power tools, math, construction drawings, safety, employability skills, and materials handling. Think of it as laying the foundation for a successful construction career.
The construction technology exam allows you to demonstrate the ability to perform brickwork and concrete work, frame walls, floors, and ceilings, and install piping and wiring for plumbing and electrical systems. Preparation for the exam during the career certificate program includes coursework in cabinetwork, masonry, and electric services and safety.
What Happens After Earning a Career Certificate?
You’ve earned your Building Construction Technologies career certificate. What’s next for you? With the certificate in hand, you can choose to find a job in the construction industry. You’ll be ready for an entry-level position as a carpenter, mason, plumber, or electrician.
You can also continue your education and transfer some of your credits to an associate’s degree program. You can transfer up to nine credits to the Construction & Civil Engineering Technology associate’s degree program at Valencia College.
Another option is to become an apprentice. You’ll complete additional training as an apprentice while working in construction—apprenticeships typically last three to four years. After you finish your program, you’ll be ready to work in the industry at the journey level, which means you’re an experienced and competent employee.
As an added benefit, you’ll earn a salary and get a sense of what a real day in the life is like in your chosen profession every day during your apprenticeship training.
Do you want to start a career in construction? Contact Orange Technical College today to learn more about the enrollment process and to start laying the groundwork for your new career.