man and women wearing hard hats inside of a house being constructed looking at building plans laying on a piece of plywood.

Construction Trades Academy

The Construction Trades Academy is a two-year academy that allows high school students to take a combination of Dual Credit and Start College Now courses and receive the Construction Trades technical diploma prior to high school graduation—at no cost!

How the Construction Trades Academy Works

In two academic years, students can earn 12 credits and complete the technical diploma through Dual Credit and Start College Now options within their high school.

By completing this technical diploma, you will have multiple career options and pathways to choose from, including:

  • Continue your education in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or renewable energy industries.
  • Start your career as a construction laborer.
  • Pursue a registered apprenticeship opportunity: Carpenter, Construction Electrician (ABC), Construction Electrician (IBEW-NECA), Plumber, or Steamfitter Apprenticeships.

Cost Savings

Students participating in this free program save $2,260.80, the estimated entire program cost to complete the Construction Trades technical diploma.

Courses

Catalog Number Course Name Credits
10601140 Electricity for the Construction Trades 2
10482107 Construction Fundamentals (Dual Credit) 2
10483121 Piping Applications 3
10476171 Safety for Construction Trades 1
10442117 Welding Fundamentals 1 (Dual Credit) 1
10601130 Blueprint Reading for Construction 2
10890102 GPS for Student Success 1

Sample Curriculum

Junior year:

  • Fall – Welding Fundamentals 1 (Dual Credit)
  • Fall – Blueprint Reading
  • Spring – Electricity for the Construction Trades

Senior year:

  • Fall – Construction Fundamentals (Dual Credit)
    • Safety for Construction Trades (This certification is obtained within the Construction Fundamentals course by testing out through a credit for prior learning option. Exam fee may apply.)
  • Fall – GPS for Student Success (Dual Credit/online)
  • Spring – Piping Applications