Certification in Building Trades
6-15 Credits
Program Description
The Building Trades Program equips students with the technical skills, knowledge, and credentials to obtain entry-level employment in the construction industry. The curriculum aligns with National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards, providing foundational knowledge and proficiency in areas such as safety, hand and power tools, construction math, materials handling, blueprint reading, rigging, employability skills, workplace communication, and an introduction to a variety of specializations within the construction career cluster. The program provides a balanced blend of classroom and hands-on learning under the supervision of qualified instructors in conditions that duplicate actual work sites.
The training will prepare students for obtaining the following industry-recognized credentials:
●NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
●NCCER Module Completion Certificates in various specialized construction-related topics.
●OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) 10-Hour Safety Training card.
The Building Trades Program is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). All full-time faculty members have been trained and certified by NCCER as core curricula/craft instructors.
Career Outlook
According to the Montana Labor Force Trends report (2023), the construction industry is one of the top sectors facing a labor shortage, with over 10,000 job openings in building and construction trades annually. The demand for new carpenters is expected to continue growing, driven by population expansion, increased housing demand, and the need for skilled labor in weatherization and energy-efficient home upgrades. The MT DLI reports that Construction was the most significant contributor to growth in the first quarter of 2024, accounting for over half of total GDP growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for carpenters is 27% over the next ten years, offering a median annual salary of $50,340.
Program Admission
Students must complete the following for admission into the Building Trades Program:
● SKC Application for Admission
Physical Requirements
Construction is a physically demanding occupation. To successfully complete the work-based learning tasks and meet the Building Trades program requirements, students must be able to:
●lift 50 pounds to shoulder height;
●perform safely in field operations;
●communicate orally with a person 20 feet away;
●hear a warning alarm from 100 feet away;
●climb, un-aided, onto and off equipment using three points of contact;
●stand for long periods; and
●visually interpret blueprints and drawings.
Certification Requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Building Trades Workforce Certificate, students will demonstrate the following technical skills and competencies:
●Understand the profession's laws, regulations, and safety requirements, including OSHA-10-hour safety training requirements.
●Consistently follow workplace safety guidelines.
●Properly and safely use standard construction tools and techniques.
●Understand and properly use construction terms and materials and apply that knowledge to practice.
●Use critical thinking skills to interpret and follow complex directions and construction drawings, accurately apply mathematical concepts to practice, and effectively articulate solutions to common problems.
●Utilize theoretical knowledge and technical skills to complete entry-level construction-related performance tasks in various practical settings.
●Demonstrate strong employability and workplace communication skills.
Certificate Requirements
Students may complete courses individually or as part of a certification program.
●To earn the NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills certification, learners must complete all six courses in the Core Curriculum.
●To earn the Building Trades Workforce Certificate, students must complete 15 credits: the six-credit Core Curriculum and nine additional credits from the electives list.
Please note that the availability and selection of elective courses vary depending on the needs and requirements of the project used as the work-based learning lab. Also, please note that the elective courses may require the completion of pre-requisite courses, certifications, or demonstration of competence in needed skills.
Required Courses
| BLDG100 | Safety in the Building Trades | 1 |
| BLDG102 | Tool Identification and Safety | 1 |
| BLDG104 | Construction Mathematics | 1 |
| BLDG106 | Introduction to Materials Handling and Rigging | 1 |
| BLDG 108 | Reading Blueprints | 1 |
| BLDG109 | Communication and Employability Skills | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Elective Courses
Students will take a minimum of 9 credits of electives to earn the Building Trades Workforce Certification.
Total Credit Hours: 15