high school Work based learning
The application period for the 2023-24 school year is now closed. Applications for the 2024-25 school year will be available Winter 2024.
Registration closes in:
Course Description
High school juniors and seniors are eligible to attend the WMCI work-based learning program with the support of their school
district and parents/guardians. Students will achieve commercial construction industry credentials along with high school credit
while attending WMCI.
Students engage in exciting commercial construction career exploration activities including weekly Trade Talk Tuesdays, job shadows with industry professionals, monthly field trips, and resume building and mock interviews with industry human resources professionals. Juniors will be eligible to re-enroll as seniors and earn their Carpentry II credential.
Schedule
- This is a two semester course
- Dates: August 28, 2023 - May 24, 2024
- Day(s) of Week: Monday - Friday
- Time: 7:15AM - 9:15AM or 9:30AM - 11:30AM
- Instructor: BJ Wells
- Tuition: $1,300/semester
- Certificates: NCCER CORE (Dept. of Labor Certified)
- Certificates: NCCER Carpentry (Dept. of Labor Certified)
- Certificates: WMCI CORE Certificate of Completion
- Certificates: First Aid/CPR Certification
- Certificates: OSHA 10 Safety Certification
Instructor
BJ Wells
Learn more here about BJ’s experience, career pathway, and training style.
CORE modules - Fall semester
Build Your Future in Construction
Construction is an exciting, well-paying industry that offers an abundance of career opportunities. This module will help you understand the state of the industry, the job opportunities that currently exist, and the training options
that will lead you on a path to your new construction career.
Construction Site Safety Orientation
Work at construction and industrial job sites can be hazardous. Safety must be incorporated into all phases
of the job and involve employees at every level, including management.
Introduction to Construction Math
Craft professionals rely on math to do their jobs accurately and efficiently. Plumbers calculate pipe lengths, plan drain slopes, and interpret dimensioned plans. Carpenters meet code requirements by using math to frame walls and ceilings properly. HVAC professionals develop ductwork and calculate airflow with practical geometry. Whichever craft lies in your future, math will play a role in it. This module reviews the math that you will need and sharpens the skills that you will be using in the exciting modules ahead.
Introduction to Hand Tools
Every profession has its tools. The construction crafts
require a broad array of hand tools. Even if you are
familiar with some of the tools, all craftworkers need to
learn how to select, maintain, and use them safely.
Introduction to Power Tools
Power tools play an important role in the construction
industry. This module provides an overview of the
common types of power tools, how they function, and the
proper techniques required to ensure their safe operation.
Introduction to Construction Drawings
Various types of construction drawings are used to
represent actual components of a building project.
This module introduces common types of construction
drawings, their basic components, standard drawing
elements, and measurement tools that are typically used
when working with construction drawings.
Basic Communication Skills
The ability to communicate skillfully will help to make you
a better worker and a more effective leader. This module
provides guidance in listening to understand, speaking
with clarity, using and understanding written materials
and providing techniques to help improve writing skills.
Basic Employability Skills
Becoming gainfully employed in the construction industry
takes more preparation that simply filling out a job
application. It is essential to understand how the industry
and potential employers operate. This module discusses
the skills needed to pursue employment successfully.
Introduction to Materials Handling
Lifting, stacking, and transporting materials are routine
tasks on a job site. This module provides guidelines for
using the appropriate PPE for the material being handled
and using proper procedures and techniques to carry out
the job.
carpentry I modules - spring semester
Orientation to the Trade
Reviews the history of the trade, describes the apprentice
program, identifies career opportunities for carpenters and
construction workers, and lists the skills, responsibilities,
and characteristics a worker should possess.
Building Materials, Fasteners, and Adhesives
Introduces building materials used in construction work,
such as sheet materials and wood products, and describes
fasteners and adhesives used in construction work.
Hand and Power Tools
Provides descriptions of hand tools and power tools used by
carpenters. Emphasizes safe and proper operation, as well
as care and maintenance.
Intro to Construction Drawings, Specifications, and Layout
Covers the techniques for reading and using construction
drawings and specifications, with an emphasis on drawings
and information relevant to the carpentry trade.
Floor Systems
Covers framing basics and the procedures for layout and
constructing a wood floor using common lumber, as well as
engineered building materials.
Wall Systems
Describes procedures for layout and framing walls,
roughing-in door, window openings, constructing corners,
partition T’s and bracing walls, and includes the procedure
to estimate the materials required to frame walls.
Ceiling Joist and Roof Framing
Describes types of roofs and provides instructions for
laying out rafters for gable roofs, hip roofs, and valley
intersections. Covers stick-built and truss-built roofs.
Introduction to Building Envelope Systems
Introduces the concept of the building envelope and its
components. Describes types of windows, skylights, and
exterior doors, providing instructions for installation.
Basic Stair Layout
Introduces types of stairs and common building code
requirements related to stairs. Focuses on techniques for
measuring and calculating rise, run, and stairwell openings,
laying out stringers, and fabricating basic stairways.