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Commercial construction 101

NOTE: COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION 101 IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE FALL ’22 SEMESTER.

Preregister below to make sure you’re the first to know when it opens back up:

Course Description

When you enter commercial construction, you’re building a career in a high-wage, high-demand industry where the potential for growth is limitless. 

In Commercial Construction 101, you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of craft trades through classroom and hands-on learning. You’ll develop the skills, safety training, and industry knowledge that forms the foundation of commercial construction.

Students appreciate the wide range of learning as it lets them discover their interests and follow them to higher levels of training instead of having to decide which career path to follow right at the start.  

Schedule

Meet your Lead Instructor

BJ Wells

Course FAQs

Who should attend?

Commercial Construction 101 is for any person interested in building their future in the construction industry. 

4 reasons to enroll: 

  • Become professionally certified without taking on massive student loans. 
  • Explore multiple skilled trades to find which one you're most interested in.
  • Gain practical skills you can use to build/fix things in your personal lives.
  • Join a team that builds the cities, churches, roads, schools and more that your community needs.

What will students graduate with?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will receive the following benefits:

  • NCCER Certification
  • WMCI CORE+ Certification
  • Foundational skills to excel in the craft trade of their choosing
  • Soft skills such as leadership and communication important to advancing any career in construction
  • The confidence to proficiently use the most modern construction tools and technology
  • A strong community of fellow tradespeople to rely on
  • A network of top West Michigan construction employers

Course Curriculum

BASIC SAFETY

Work at construction and industrial job sites can be hazardous. Most job-site incidents are caused by at-risk behavior, poor planning, lack of training, or failure to recognize the hazards. To help prevent incidents, every company must have a proactive safety program. Safety must be incorporated into all phases of the job and involve employees at every level, including management.

Introduction to Construction Math

Craft professionals rely on math to do their jobs accurately and efficiently. Plumbers calculate pipe lengths, plan drain slopes, and interpret dimensioned plans. Carpenters meet code requirements by using math to frame walls and ceilings properly. HVAC professionals develop ductwork and calculate airflow with practical geometry. Whichever craft lies in your future, math will play a role in it. This module reviews the math that you will need and sharpens the skills that you will be using in the exciting modules ahead.

Introduction to Hand Tools

Every profession has its tools. A surgeon uses a scalpel, an instructor uses a whiteboard, and an accountant uses a calculator. The construction crafts require a broad array of hand tools. Even if you are familiar with some of the tools, all craftworkers need to learn how to select, maintain, and use them safely. A quality hand tool may cost more up front, but if it is properly used and maintained, it will last for years. A true craft professional invests wisely in hand tools, and uses, maintains, and stores them with the same wisdom.

Introduction to Power Tools

Power tools play an important role in the construction industry. Thousands of construction workers across the world use power tools every day to make holes, cut different types of materials, smooth rough surfaces, and shape a variety of products. Regardless of their specialization, all construction workers eventually use power tools on their job. This module provides an overview of the common types of power tools and how they function. It also describes the proper techniques required to ensure their safe and efficient operation.

Introduction to Construction Drawings

Various types of construction drawings are used to represent actual components of a building project. The drawings provide specific information about the locations of the parts of a structure, the types of materials to be used, and the correct layout of the building. Knowing the purposes of the different types of drawings and interpreting the drawings correctly are important skills for anyone who works in the construction trades. This module introduces common types of construction drawings, their basic components, standard drawing elements, and measurement tools that are typically used when working with construction drawings.

Introduction to Basic Rigging

A common activity at nearly every construction site is the movement of material and equipment from one place to another using various types of lifting gear. The procedures involved in performing this task are known as rigging. Not every worker will participate in rigging operations, but nearly all will be exposed to it at one time or another. This module provides an overview of the various types of rigging equipment, common hitches used during a rigging operation, and the related Emergency Stop hand signal.

Basic Communication Skills

The construction professional communicates constantly. The ability to communicate skillfully will help to make you a better worker and a more effective leader. This module provides guidance in listening to understand, and speaking with clarity. It explains how to use and understand written materials, and it also provides techniques and guidelines that will help you to improve your writing skills.

Basic Employability Skills

Becoming gainfully employed in the construction industry takes more preparation than simply filling out a job application. It is essential to understand how the construction industry and potential employers operate. Your trade skills are extremely important, but all employers are also looking for those who are eager to advance and demonstrate positive personal characteristics. This module discusses the skills needed to pursue employment successfully.

Introduction to Materials Handling

Lifting, stacking, transporting, and unloading materials such as brick, pipe, and various supplies are routine tasks on a job site. Whether performing these tasks manually or with the aid of specialized equipment, workers must follow basic safety guidelines to keep themselves and their co-workers safe. This module provides guidelines for using the appropriate PPE for the material being handled and using proper procedures and techniques to carry out the job.

Questions?

We can Help!

Making a career move is a big decision - one you'll want to make sure you have the information you need to feel confident in taking the next step.

One of the best ways to learn more is by scheduling an in-person visit.