Commercial Construction/Heavy Equipment

Experienced construction professionals and equipment operators are in high demand. The Commercial Construction/Heavy Equipment program teaches the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level employment or further education. Students rotate through two key areas: site development and layout, and utilities construction and installation. They learn through standardized craft training programs developed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the Home Builders Institute (HBI) of the National Association of Home Builders.

Topics of study include workplace safety and management, tools, site development, layout, blueprints and codes, soils, erosion control and stormwater management, structures, utilities, concrete and form construction, rough framing, as well as operation and preventive maintenance of compaction equipment, backhoes, bulldozers and excavators. Students also build communication and employability skills and may earn English 12 credit. Hands-on and classroom learning are reinforced by work-based experiences, field trips, guest speakers and competitions.

Commercial Construction/Heavy Equipment students who pass written and performance exams can earn NCCER and/or HBI certifications, which are recognized nationwide by contractors and employers. After completing the program, they may further their education through the Residential Construction/Heavy Equipment program or enter the workforce, apprenticeship programs, or college.

video:

view a videoclip of students in action

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Form carpenter
Construction equipment operator
Equipment maintenance technician
Pipe laborer
Construction inspector
Materials tester
Engineering technician

UNITS OF STUDY:

Safety
Hand and power tools
Soils and grades
Blueprints, layout and codes
Basic equipment operation & preventive
maintenance
Basic commercial construction technologies
Structures and utilities
Communication & employability skills
English 12 (seniors)

COLLEGE ARTICULATON:

SUNY Cobleskill

Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ

it's a fact

Energy efficiency and conservation, alternative power sources and green building practices are all issues of importance to today's construction professionals in the building or reconstruction of homes and commercial structures.

Keeping campus trim

Construction/Heavy Equipment students spent a Saturday in late March pruning and clearing dead branches and trees at Career & Tech's Albany campus. The students and their teacher, Kevin Kenyon, donated their time as a community service.  [4/2011]

[5/2011]