Introduction to Construction Trades

This program is offered in partnership with WE Build Waterloo (Hawkeye Community College and Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity). The program generally prepares sponsored students to apply technical knowledge and skills in the building, inspecting, and maintaining of structures and related properties. Key content includes:

• Basic Safety: Presents basic jobsite safety information to prepare workers for the construction environment. Describes the common causes of workplace incidents and accidents and how to avoid them. Introduces common personal protective equipment, including equipment required for work at height, and its proper use. Information related to safety in several specific environments, including welding areas and confined spaces, is also provided. OSHA 10 
• 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. Also presents proper hand tool maintenance.
• 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 safe-handling guidelines and basic maintenance.
• Construction Drawings: Introduces the basic terms, components, and symbols of construction drawings, as well as the most common drawing types. Also covers the interpretation and use of drawing dimensions.
• Basic Rigging (elective): 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 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 discusses effective telephone and email communication skills.
• Basic Employability Skills: Describes the opportunities offered by the construction trades. Discusses critical thinking and essential problem-solving skills. Also identifies and discusses positive social skills and presents information on computer systems and their industry applications.
• Introduction to Materials Handling: Describes the hazards associated with handling materials and provides techniques to avoid both injury and property damage. Also introduces common material handling equipment.

Completing this curriculum gives the trainee the basic skills needed to continue education in any construction craft area he or she chooses. This course is recognized as carpentry pre-apprenticeship program. Furthermore, students who complete all modules successfully will receive NCCER Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills industry recognized certification, Construction Safety and OSHA 10 certifications.