Building Trades Diploma

Program Details

Semester 1

• CON 333 - Materials/Construction Theory Credits: 5
• CON 334 - Construction Techniques Credits: 7
• CON 336 - Care/Use of Hand/Power Tools Credits: 1
• CON 337 - Construction Blueprint Reading Credits: 1
• CON 338 - Materials Takeoff Credits: 1
• HSC 102 - Emergency Care Credits: 1
• Any AAS degree Core Math course  Credits: 3

Semester 2

• CON 346 - Concrete Systems & Forming Credits: 4
• CON 341 - Construction Drafting & Design Credits: 2
• CON 342 - Interior Trim Practices Credits: 3
• CON 480 - Const Procedure/Application I Credits: 5
• Any AAS degree Core Communications course  Credits: 3

Semester 3

• CON 481 - Constr Proc & Applications II Credits: 5
• CON 482 - Constr Proc & Applications III Credits: 5

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 46

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$151.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Approximate total for program: $7,716**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Measure and cut the materials to proper size and place them.
• Construct the framework of buildings, apply sheathing, house wrap, exterior applications and also install interior trim work, as well as cabinetry.
• Install windows, interior and exterior doors and stairs.
• Apply roofing materials.
• Be concerned with the appearance as well as the accuracy of the work.
• Build forms needed for concrete slabs, steps and walls.
• Read and use tapes, levels and other measuring instruments.
• Use a variety of tools including hammers, saws, chisels and planes, as well as power tools such as power saws, drills and air nailers and staplers.
• Experience concrete flatwork.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Read and understand blueprints.
• Analyze a job, decide what to do, how to do it and what materials and tools to use.
• Skillfully use many kinds of hand and power tools.
• Climb, stoop, grasp and crouch while working.
• Work above the ground without fear.
• Have good eye-hand coordination.
• Talk about and demonstrate your building trades skills and knowledge.
• Punctuality, responsibility and willingness to work with others.
• Practice safe work habits as an individual and in a group.
• Basic computer skills or a willingness to develop them.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• Classes for students who start Fall term have a Spring term that is divided into 10 weeks and 5 weeks. During the 10 weeks, the students complete studies in forming, trim, drafting and CAD. The 5-week session of the Spring term is when construction of our house project begins and will end at the completion of the Summer session.
• There may be much satisfaction from producing a finished product.
• You should be prepared to work outside in good and bad weather.
• Your work is often seasonal.
• Construction work is sometimes dangerous and often noisy and dirty.
• Opportunities for self-employment are very good.
• Students must provide their own transportation to the construction sites.
• There is a DMACC-Carpenter’s Union Labor agreement that will allow a graduate of the program to drop one year from the apprenticeship program.
• Average starting salary $24,960 (2010-2011 Placement Report)

Nondiscrimination Statement

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6574, dkmckittrick@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).₍₂₀₁₇₎