Program Description
Peninsula College’s Construction Technology program is an important component to the college’s commitment to workforce training in sustainable industries. The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Construction Technology offers a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for employment in sustainable green construction trades, alternative building materials and methods and construction management. Foundation classes cover basic woodworking, foundations framing, roof systems and alternative energy. Core courses teach students green building concepts and design, engineered building materials, blueprint reading and alternative building methods. Capstone classes include jobsite management, construction leadership and estimation. Instruction consists of classroom presentations, hands-on training in lab settings and online learning modules.
Program Length: 6 Quarters
Program Code: CARCTAPT
Career Opportunities and Earnings
Graduates of the Construction Technology program may find entry-level positions in residential and small commercial carpentry businesses and other related companies. Some graduates may elect to start their own green-based building business. The demand for carpenters with these skills is expected to increase over the next decade.
- Cabinetmaker
- Carpenter
- Construction management
- Form builder
- Framer
For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search for the relevant occupational term: bls.gov/oes.
Program Outcomes
When this program is completed, the student will be able to:
- Use hand tools and power machinery safely
- Perform all aspects of basic carpentry
- Perform energy efficient tasks on a new residential structure
- Perform an energy analysis on an existing structure
- Research, plan, design and implement an energy efficient retrofit plan
- Develop and design a building retrofit that meets Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) and International Living Building Institute (ILBI) standards
Approximate Additional Costs
- Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees (per quarter): $150
- Tools and equipment: Most tools are provided. Students may choose to purchase their own tools and equipment at their own expense. Costs vary, but may be $300 or more.
Sample Schedule
This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn the AAS. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.
First Quarter (Fall)
Introduction to woodworking tools, materials, hand and power tools used in residential and commercial jobsites. Overview of the woodworking industry, safety and building materials. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 101)
Credits: 3
This class introduces students to the beginning carpentry phases of conventional stick frame residential and light commercial construction. Learn International Building Codes as they apply to foundations and framing. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 106)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 5
Prepares individuals to perform basic first aid procedures in cases of emergencies. Learn how to prevent accidents in the home and on the job. Adult CPR. Provides two-year certification. This class may include students from multiple sections.
This class has a $135.72 first aid course fee.
Credits: 1
Second Quarter (Winter)
Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)
Credits: 5
Students will explore the art of creating finished pieces and establishing a career in the woodworking industry. This class covers advanced woodworking, cabinet making, and Labor and Industry guidelines for shop floor plans and walkways. Students will construct using jogs and templates. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 102)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 5
Introduction on how to read and use blueprints to construct residential and commercial structures. Course emphasis will be on learning to read blueprints and how to apply different types of foundations, framing, and interior and exterior finishes. Learn how building codes apply to various stages of construction. This is one of the required courses for the Carpentry one-year certificate. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 105)
Credits: 3
This class will focus on the proper and safe construction of both rafter and truss roof systems. Students will learn about various roofing material, practice flashing and installing multiple roofing products. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 108)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 5
Third Quarter (Spring)
Students will learn finish carpentry techniques, craftsmanship finishing touches on construction project. Learn about traditional, colonial and modern construction styles including interior and exterior trim. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 103)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 5
This class will focus on three of the most functional and visible elements of any residential construction or light commercial project: siding, decks, and stairs. Code compliance will be a major focus of deck and stair system construction. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 107)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 5
Fourth Quarter (Fall)
Learn Construction Technology techniques and processes and how they apply modern stick framed residential and light commercial building. Design and orient a house plan. Practice advanced framing, insulation, air infiltration and material selection. Learn the United States Construction Technology Council LEED process. Explore eligibility requirements from Energy Star and Clallam Built Green. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 206)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 5
This class will introduce the students to construction jobsite management. Learn OSHA and Washington State Department of Labor and Industries requirements for job site safety. Control of resources and materials on the jobsite as well as the proper order and flow of jobs on the worksite. Negotiate with labor and subcontractors. This class will teach students leadership skills to work as a foreman or contractor on a construction site. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 210)
Credits: 3
Class focuses on building engineered wood products into traditional stick framing as well as construction using Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS), Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), and other nontraditional, yet existing and allowable building methods for today’s construction industry. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 220)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 5
Fifth Quarter (Winter)
Learn building codes and standards applicable to building construction and the inspection process. The class will focus on a variety of local jurisdictions and differences in the permit and inspection process. Students will study the basic building codes necessary for carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) as well as where to locate advanced code requirements. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 3
This class will cover practices for successful cost estimation of residential and light commercial construction. Students will conduct material ‘take offs’ then put their skill to use, estimating materials such as lumber, roofing, windows, doors, permits applications, professional fees for architects and engineers, waste, time, and overhead. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 215)
Credits: 3
Sixth Quarter (Spring)
Students will learn the necessary skills required to research, design, and build backyard farm and garden structures that promote efficiency of urban sustainable living. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 160)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 3
This class focuses on the role and use of engineered wood, steel, and fast growing plants in the construction world. Starting with Glulams, finger-jointed studs, and manufactured trusses. Learn about cutting edge engineered building materials like mass timbers, cross laminated timbers, and thermally modified wood and their impact on the Construction Technology Movement. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 212)
This class has a $65 construction technology course fee.
Credits: 5
Learn leadership and ethics for construction management and the business of being a contractor. Explore legal requirements and risk analysis for a construction project. Analyze cost and project budgets. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly GRBD 225)
Credits: 3
Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:
- The quarter you begin
- How many classes/credits you plan to take in each quarter
- Your math and English placement; Learn more about placement options by visiting the Assessment and Placement website.
- If you start in our Transitional Studies program