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Associate in Specialized Technology Degree

Through lectures, demonstrations, shop exercises, and campus work projects, students are prepared for employment in the residential-commercial carpentry construction industry. The goal of the program is to prepare students eventually to become leaders at many levels in the construction field: journeyman carpenter, job site foreman, construction superintendent, project manager, front office administrator, or owner of a contracting firm.

The program provides thorough instruction and training in house and small commercial building construction through lecture and shop demonstrations, including topics such as job safety, manual tools, hand and stationary power tools, scaffolding, rough framing, roof framing, insulation, stairs, interior and exterior finishes and trim, flooring, and cabinetmaking. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the layout of difficult framing applications, including equally sloped hip roofs and stair construction. Other topics include reading of blueprints and specifications, cost estimating, site layout and development, scheduling, construction quality control, material purchasing, small business management, and accident prevention. The program also covers the processes and procedures necessary for carrying out construction projects from start to finish, including complying with building permit requirements and mandatory site tests. Students in this program also take courses in the technical, business, logistical, and management aspects of the construction industry to prepare them to advance into supervisory or administrative positions or to run their own businesses.

The ability of students to apply theory to hand skills is monitored through shop projects requiring skill levels of increasing difficulty and through serving the college on supervised building maintenance, renovation, and new construction assignments.

Introduction to the Program

“The program provides thorough instruction and training in house and small commercial building construction through lecture and shop demonstrations, including topics such as job safety, manual tools, hand and stationary power tools, scaffolding, rough framing, roof framing, insulation, stairs, interior and exterior finishes and trim, flooring, and cabinetmaking.”

Mike Neville, Director of Carpentry

Employment Information

Potential Carpentry Jobs

Who Has Hired Our Graduates?

Carpentry Courses

CARP 111 Basic Carpentry Theory I

Introduces construction materials, including lumber, engineered panels, other engineered lumber products, and fasteners. Thoroughly covers manual hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary power tools. Accident prevention and safety practices are emphasized throughout.
3

CARP 112 Basic Carpentry Skills I

Gives practice in basic carpentry skills with emphasis on the safe and proper uses of hand tools by constructing wood joints in the shop and by working on school maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects. Also emphasizes on-the-job safety.
4.5

CARP 121 Basic Carpentry Theory II

Introduces the different prints that are needed to construct a building and the various building codes and regulations involved in construction. Provides basic instruction in building layout and surveying methods. Introduces the tools and formulas for concrete estimating and how to make and use forms for various applications of concrete. Covers the proper and safe construction of scaffolds. Accident prevention and safety practices are emphasized throughout.
3

CARP 122 Basic Carpentry Skills II

Teaches the safe and proper use of electric hand tools and stationary power equipment through assignments in the shop using wood and wood products. Also, further develops basic carpentry skills through supervised maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects.
4.5

CARP 231 Intermediate Carpentry Theory I

Provides thorough instruction in framing applications, including: the proper estimation, sizing, and installation of various floor framing systems; the proper procedures for estimation and construction of an extension and load-bearing wall system; the proper installation of interior framing members; construction procedures using metal studs; and roof construction, including rafter layout and material calculations.
3.5

CARP 232 Intermediate Carpentry Skills I

Develops competency in tasks such as rough framing, layout of joists, bridging, sheathing, wall framing systems, layout of common and hip roofs, and skills involved in layout and installation of door hardware. Safe hand and power tool skills are continually developed through supervised maintenance projects. The student must also plan and budget his time for the successful completion of required shop projects.
4

CARP 241 Intermediate Carpentry Theory II

Provides instruction in various aspects of interior and exterior finish applications, including: insulation and ventilation; roofing; cornice construction; window installation; exterior door frame and door construction and installation; siding installation; drywall construction; wall paneling and wall tile; ceiling finish applications; and interior trim applications.
3.5

CARP 242 Intermediate Carpentry Skills II

Develops competency in tasks such as interior and exterior finishes, door and window installations, and interior millwork. Competencies in these areas are developed through the layout and construction of projects. Further development of practical skills is provided through supervised work on maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects.
3.5

CARP 251 Advanced Carpentry Theory I

Provides instruction in various aspects of interior finish applications, including: interior doors and door frames; stair framing; and finish floors.
3

CARP 252 Advanced Carpentry Skills I

Develops competency in such tasks as the cutting and installation of stair horses and finish stair skirt boards. Also includes the application of project management principles through hands-on experiences as shop foreman and job foreman on campus projects. As a foreman, the senior will assume the responsibilities of job supervision, estimating, ordering of materials, and teaching the safe and proper methods of construction to underclassmen. Includes more hands-on shop time to develop carpentry skills further.
6

CARP 261 Advanced Carpentry Theory II

Provides instruction in the types, layout, construction, and installation of cabinets and countertops, including fabrication and installation of Corian. Also explores other trades and their impact on the construction process, particularly electrical work and plumbing.
1.5

CARP 262 Advanced Carpentry Skills II

Provides experience in supervising other students in actual work situations and applying project management skills. Gives students increasingly specialized training in the shop and progressively more difficult tasks on actual construction projects. Includes more hands-on shop time to develop carpentry skills further.
6

CARP 263 Topics in Advanced Carpentry Skills II

Provides experience in supervising other students in actual work situations and applying project management skills. Gives students increasingly specialized training in the shop and progressively more difficult tasks on actual construction projects. Includes more hands-on shop time to develop carpentry skills further.
3