Construction Career Center Curriculum

The curriculum for the Construction Career Center was selected by construction employers and educators to offer students a broad understanding of the entire construction process, and to ensure that students will be employable upon graduation.  Both high school students and adult learners will follow this curriculum.

Coursework is taught through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) at Chattanooga.  The program, Building Construction Technology, will teach the fundamentals of carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing, foundation methods, masonry block, and brick laying. In addition, a core craft skills section includes safety, math, tools, rigging, communications, and employability skills. The program includes a study involving work ethics that incorporate proper workplace attendance, character, teamwork, appearance, attitude, productivity, organizational skills, communications, cooperation, and respect.

Core Construction: Pre-Requisite Course

Core is designed as a rigorous, competency-based, industry-recognized program for career and technical education. Students may complete the required elements sooner or later than the recommended 150 hours of knowledge and skills-based instruction, depending on their individual proficiency in mastering the content.

Basic Safety Prepares workers for the construction environment. Describes the common causes of workplace incidents and accidents and how to avoid them. Introduces common PPE, including equipment required for work at height, and its proper use. 

Introduction to Construction Math Reviews basic math skills related to the construction trades and demonstrates how they apply to the trades. Covers multiple systems of measurement, decimals, fractions, and basic geometry.

Introduction to Hand Tools Introduces common hand tools used in a variety of construction crafts. Identifies tools and how to safely use them. Proper hand tool maintenance is also presented.

Introduction to Power Tools Identifies and describes the operation of many power tools common in the construction environment. Provides instruction on proper use, as well as on safe-handling guidelines and basic maintenance.

Introduction to Construction Drawings Introduces the basic elements of construction drawings. The common components of drawings are presented, as well as the most common drawing types. The use of drawing scales and how to measure drawings is also covered.

Introduction to Basic Rigging Provides basic information related to rigging and rigging hardware, such as slings, rigging hitches, and hoists. Emphasizes safe working habits in the vicinity of rigging operations.

Basic Communication Skills Provides good techniques for effective communication on the job. Includes examples that emphasize the importance of both written and verbal communication skills. Describes the importance of reading skills in the construction industry and covers proper techniques to use in a variety of different written communication formats.

Basic Employability Skills Describes the opportunities offered by the construction trades. Discusses critical thinking and essential problem-solving skills for the construction industry. Also identifies and discusses positive social skills and their value in the workplace.

Introduction to Material Handling Describes the hazards associated with handling materials and provides techniques to avoid both injury and property damage. Common material-handling equipment is also introduced.

Build Your Future in Construction Define construction and summarize the current and future outlook for jobs, and identify some of construction’s more prominent contributions in history.

Construction Technology

Introduction to Masonry Provides information about basic masonry materials, tools, techniques, and safety precautions; explains how to mix mortar by hand and lay masonry units; and describes the skills, attitudes, and abilities of successful masons.

Masonry Units and Installation Techniques Describes characteristics of block and brick; how to set up, lay out, and bond block and brick; how to cut block and brick; how to lay and tool block and brick; and how to clean block and brick once they have been laid. Provides information about masonry reinforcements and accessories used to lay block and brick professionally and safely.

Floor Systems Covers Provides framing basics and the procedures for laying out and constructing a wood floor using common lumber, as well as engineered building materials.

Ceiling Joist and Roof Framing Describes types of roofs and provides instructions for laying out rafters for gable roofs, hip roofs, and valley intersections. Covers stick-built and truss-built roofs. Includes the basics of roof sheathing installation.

Roofing Applications Describes how to properly prepare the roof deck and install roofing for residential and commercial buildings.

Wall Systems Describes procedures for laying out and framing walls, including roughing-in door and window openings, constructing corners, partition Ts, and bracing walls. Includes the procedure to estimate the materials required to frame walls.

Exterior Finishing Covers the various types of exterior finish materials and their installation procedures, including wood, metal, vinyl, and fiber-cement siding.

Basic Stair Layout Introduces types of stairs and common building code requirements related to stairs. Focuses on techniques for measuring and calculating rise, run, and stairwell openings, laying out stringers, and fabricating basic stairways.

Electrical Safety Discusses the risks associated with work around electricity and the effects of shock on the human body. Describes lockout/tagout procedures. Explains how to avoid electrical hazards.

Residential Electrical Services Covers the electrical devices and wiring techniques common to residential construction and maintenance. Allows trainees to practice making service calculations. Stresses the appropriate NEC® requirements.

Introduction to HVAC Covers the basic principles of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, career opportunities in HVAC, and how apprenticeship programs are constructed. Basic safety principles, as well as trade licensure and EPA guidelines, are also introduced.

Introduction to Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems Upon completion of this module, the trainee will be able to do the following. Explain how waste moves from a fixture through the drain system to the environment. Identify the major components of a drainage system and describe their functions. Identify the different types of traps and their components, explain the importance of traps, and identify the ways that traps can lose their seals. Identify significant code and health issues, violations, and consequences related to DWV systems.

Plastic Pipe and Fittings Upon completion of this module, the trainee will be able to do the following. Explain how waste moves from a fixture through the drain system to the environment. Identify the major components of a drainage system and describe their functions. Identify the different types of traps and their components, explain the importance of traps, and identify the ways that traps can lose their seals. Identify significant code and health issues, violations, and consequences related to DWV systems.

Copper Tube and Fittings Upon completion of this module, the trainee will be able to do the following. Identify the various types of copper tube. Identify the material properties, storage, and handling requirements of copper tube. Identify the types of fittings and valves used with copper tube. Identify the techniques used in hanging and supporting copper tube. Properly measure, cut, and join copper tube. Identify the hazards and safety precautions associated with copper tube.

Cabinetmaking introduces advanced trainees and experienced carpenters to the construction of high-quality finished products such as cabinets and furniture. Many companies build and install custom cabinets designed to fit into a specific area or serve a particular need. Custom cabinets are common in both residential and commercial construction. Custom entertainment centers, bookcases, and kitchen cabinets are all examples of work done by cabinetmakers. Like trim carpentry, this craft requires great precision, attention to detail, an eye for design, and the ability to use a variety of specialized tools that are unique to cabinet fabrication and construction.

Cabinet Installation Provides detailed instructions for the selection and installation of base and wall cabinets and countertops.

Construction Craft Laborer

Orientation to the Trade Reviews the history of the trade, describes the apprentice program, identifies career opportunities for carpentry and construction workers, and lists the skills, responsibilities, and characteristics a worker should possess. Emphasizes the importance of safety in the construction industry.

Building Materials, Fasteners and Adhesives Introduces the building materials used in construction work, including lumber, sheet materials, engineered wood products, structural concrete, and structural steel. Also describes the fasteners and adhesives used in construction work. Discusses the methods of squaring a building.

Properties of Concrete Describes the properties, characteristics, and uses of cement, aggregates, and other materials used in different types of concrete. Covers procedures for estimating concrete volume and testing freshly mixed concrete, as well as methods and materials for curing concrete.

Site Layout I: Differential Leveling Covers the principles, equipment, and methods used to perform differential leveling. Also covers the layout responsibilities of surveyors, field engineers, and carpenters; interpretation and use of site/plot plan drawings; the use of laser instruments; and methods used for on-site communication.

Handling and Placing Concrete Covers tools, equipment, and procedures for safely handling, placing, and finishing concrete. Describes joints made in concrete structures and the use of joint sealants.

Foundations and Slab-on-Grade Covers basic site layout safety, tools, and methods; layout and construction of deep and shallow foundations; types of foundation forms; layout and formation of slabs-on-grade; and forms used for curbing and paving.

Reinforcing Concrete Covers basic site layout safety, tools, and methods; layout and construction of deep and shallow foundations; types of foundation forms; layout and formation of slabs-on-grade; and forms used for curbing and paving.

Vertical Formwork Covers the applications and construction methods for types of forming and form hardware systems for walls, columns, and stairs, as well as slip and climbing forms. Provides an overview of the assembly, erection, and stripping of gang forms.

Horizontal Formwork Describes elevated decks and formwork systems and methods used in their construction. Covers joist, pan, beam and slab, flat slab, composite slab, and specialty form systems and provides instructions for the use of flying decks, as well as shoring and reshoring systems.

Orientation to the Trade Provides an overview of the entire course and highlights the duties and responsibilities of a mobile crane operator. Discusses ANSI B30.5 and OSHA 550, as well as career opportunities and operator requirements.

Introduction to the Trade Discusses the historical development of the ironworking trade. Explains personal qualities that contribute to successful employment. Describes the organization and purpose of apprenticeship training, and the safety obligations of the employer and employee.

Introduction to Construction Equipment Introduces light construction equipment, including the aerial lift, skid steer loader, electric power generator, compressor, compactor, and forklift. An overview of general safety, operation, and maintenance procedures is provided.

Rough Terrain Forklifts Covers the uses of forklifts on construction sites. Includes instructions for lifting, transporting, and placing various types of loads, as well as safety, operation, and maintenance procedures.

Oxyfuel Cutting Explains the safety requirements for oxyfuel cutting. Identifies oxyfuel cutting equipment and setup requirements. Explains how to light, adjust, and shut down oxyfuel equipment. Trainees will perform cutting techniques that include straight line, piercing, bevels, washing, and gouging.

Elevated Masonry Describes how to safely and efficiently work on elevated structures. Details keeping a safe work environment, ensuring protection from falls, bracing walls from outside forces, identifying common types of elevated walls, and safety around equipment such as cranes and hoists. 

Working from Elevations Discusses the hazards and safeguards associated with the use of aerial lifts, ladders, and scaffolding. Describes how to safely set up and use this equipment. Explains how to identify, avoid, and react to unsafe conditions when working from elevations. Covers the selection and use of appropriate fall-protection equipment.

Your Role in the Green Environment Geared to entry-level craft-workers, Your Role in the Green Environment provides pertinent information concerning the green environment, construction practices, and building rating systems. This edition has been updated to reflect LEED v4.1 with emphasis on standards for building design and construction. The updated content features contemporary issues such as net zero buildings and an expanded focus on issues relevant to international construction.