Students in the Academy will choose to study one of the critical areas of Construction Technology, including Carpentry, Plumbing and Pipefitting, HVAC/R, Electrical or Welding. Our dedicated staff in the Academy of Construction Technology are experienced professionals in the construction field. In addition, GCIT has formed partnerships with labor unions and businesses in this area who lend expert guidance and offer employment opportunities to our students. Senior students may have the opportunity to participate in Structured Learning Experiences where School to Work is an option.
GCIT students have the opportunity to successfully compete in local, state, and national Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) competitions. In fact, our students have earned many gold medals in the annual state SkillsUSA competition.
The Academy of Construction Technology has an Advisory Committee also made up of experts in the construction field. These experienced professionals keep the construction programs abreast of industry trends so that students learn 21st century skills and are ready for the workforce upon graduation.
CARPENTRY SPECIALIZATION
This course of study is designed to give students the opportunity to achieve the skills needed to perform the duties of an entry-level worker in Carpentry. As a freshman, students learn the following basic skills: shop and job safety, measurement skills, math skills, hand tool skills, portable power tool skills, and stationary power tool skills. Students will learn through daily hands-on experience.
In sophomore, junior and senior years, students will progress in realistic shop experience and will continue to add new areas of skill. Units of study will review previous topics and will expand into new areas such as shop awareness, career awareness, job safety, materials of construction, residential and commercial construction, blueprint reading, estimation, scaffolding and ladders, leveling instruments and site work. The student will gain these skills through daily hands-on experience in a well-equipped shop setting. Safety is stressed in every phase of the program. This approach leads to the development of a strong foundation from which the student can successfully enter the construction industry. Each year students can earn career essential certificates, which will help them transition into an apprenticeship program after graduation. This includes the OSHA10 Certification.
