Piedmont Technical College

College Resources

Career Tracks: Building Construction Technology

This is a comprehensive program that offers practical hands-on projects both on the Piedmont campus and outside the college community.

Students get practical training in estimating building costs, carpentry, cabinet making, residential wiring, blueprint reading, brick masonry, construction, building codes and safety. A residential and light commercial construction training program. Piedmont Technical College's Building Construction Technology program is designed for those who have little or no practical experience in building construction trades.

Duties

 Graduates in this field may be required to:

  • lay out work site

  • prepare work site

  • read blueprints

  • estimate materials and costs

  • construct, maintain, repair, remodel houses, office buildings
     

Working Conditions

Graduates in this field commonly experience:

  • work in cooperation with others (team work)

  • work under little direct supervision

  • work to meet scheduling deadlines

  • overtime hours sometimes required

  • seasonal employment

  • work in variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, wet)

  • overnight travel possible

  • work in elevated locations
     

Physical Demands

  • active (lifting, carrying, walking, reaching, standing)

  • lifting up to 70 pounds

  • climbing/balancing (must have good balance)

  • stooping, kneeling, crawling, crouching

  • visual acuity (good depth perception)
     

Characteristics & Temperament

Graduates in this field should have:

  • respect for possible dangers in the construction environment

  • ability to work cooperatively with co-workers

  • ability to follow directions (written and oral)

  • flexibility (able to change tasks as needed without losing composure and efficiency)

  • knowledge of problem-solving skills

  • self-discipline/self-motivation

  • dependability

  • ability to make judgments and decisions

  • good oral and written communication skills

  • ability to "catch on" quickly

  • ability to do arithmetic functions

  • ability to understand two-dimensional objects; recognize relationships resulting form the movement of objects

  • mechanical reasoning: ability to understand mechanical principles and devices; understand how things work

  • good motor coordination: hand/eye coordination, accurate and swift movements, finger/manual dexterity

  • good physical condition
     

Employment Outlook

Graduates in this field can expect the following developments:

  • salary range: $16,000 - $50,000 per year

  • average salary: $35,560

  • 89% placement rate for 2009-2011 graduates

  • experience and further education lead to advancement as carpenter, supervisor or general construction supervisor

  • possible positions: roofer, carpenter, industry maintenance personnel, cabinet-maker, commercial construction carpenter, project manager, construction supervisor

  • self-employment

  • employment available in cities and towns of all sizes
     

Employers

Some recent graduates have found work at: