Have you been saying “I can do it myself” since you were two years old? Did you wake up with a hammer in your hand? Do you love to DIY? Then Building and Skilled Trades need you. Be part of a career that helps create a better community.
Departments Under This Area
Welding Technology
Machine Technology
Wood Technology
Carpentry
ECT
Architecture
Biomanufacturing
Construction Management
Electrical and Electronics Technology
Recommended First Term Classes:
* Course meets a CSU or IGETC general education requirement
Math
CARP 207 Math for Construction Trades OR
MATH 220ABCDEFG Math for Trades, Self Pace
Math – if your goal is an associate degree or transfer
Select a MATH class with the assistance of a Counselor
English – if your goal is an associate degree or transfer
ENGL 1A* Reading and Composition OR
ENGL 1AS* Reading and Composition with Support
Explorer Course
Choose One
ARCH 10
BIOL 75
CARP 211
CONMT 10
ECT 18
MACH 210
WELD 205
WDTE 255
Description of Explorer Courses
Architecture
ARCH 10: Introduction to Design Professions and Architectural Administration
You’ll be introduced to the vast, often exciting, socially/environmentally/technologically impactful world of architecture. In the process, you’ll explore and learn about many other design-related fields (Landscape Design, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Structural Design, and others). You’ll learn what it takes to become an architect and what a typical day-in-the-life of an architect entails – with occasional field trips to local offices and/or site visits to projects in the process of being built. You’ll have opportunities to sketch the built environment that surrounds you and learn why something is designed the way it is, and how it may impact you (which you might not even realize) in your day-to-day life. By the end of the class, you’ll have a clear understanding of what architecture is, and the overall educational/work-related path that is required to successfully become an architect. All of this, hopefully, will help you decide if architecture (or one of its related design fields) is really where your passion lies. ARCH 10 is a transferable course if you choose to pursue Architecture and transfer to a 4-year university. At a minimum, you’ll emerge with an enlightened understanding of the built environment that each one of us interacts with throughout our lives.
Biomanufacturing
BIOL 75: Fundamentals of Biotechnology Lab
In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of working in a biotech laboratory. You will develop skillful use of a variety of instruments, purify DNA, genetically engineer cells (to glow green!), use cells to produce proteins, and run experiments to test biological processes. These skills are in high demand for entry-level lab technician jobs in biotech.
Carpentry
CARP 211: Beginning Carpentry
Beginning carpentry introduces students to the fundamental skills involved with building houses. From the safe use of hand and power tools to understanding how a building goes together, beginning carpentry is the best starting point for students who want to learn how to build. CARP 211 requires no prior experience in carpentry and builds up a students’ skill set through lectures and hands-on lab projects.
Construction Management
CONMT 10: Introduction to Construction Practices
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals and principles of construction practices and a framework for students to understand the nuts and bolts of construction management. In this course, we discuss various introductory topics throughout the semester including project delivery methods, the construction process, constructability, and concepts related to sustainable building practices. Residential construction will be the focus although some topics related to nonresidential construction practices are reviewed as well.
Environmental Control Technology
ECT 18: HVAC Installation Practices
Introduction course to the world of HVAC in a course voted most popular with our industry collaborators. ECT 18 is the perfect combination between a little lecture and a lot of lab work. We get hands-on experience with sheet metal and the installation process. Here, we learn methods that contribute to system functionality, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. This class will expose us to the spectrum of components that contribute to the mechanical system. Learn how we install and retrofit HVAC systems to enhance new airflow standards. ECT 18 will help get our HVAC ducts in a row!
Machine Technology
MACH 210: Machine Technology I
Do you like making cool stuff with power tools? Then MACH 210 is for you! This introductory course will expose you to the skills of the machinist trade and open your eyes to the many possibilities of precision metalworking. You’ll learn how to read a blueprint, how to use precision measuring tools and, most importantly, how to cut metal with machines like drill presses, lathes, and mills. The curriculum in this course is taught entirely through hands-on projects in our well-equipped workshop, so you’ll learn by making stuff, not by reading from a textbook or listening to a professor’s lecture. Whether you want to work as a machinist or if you’re a DIYer, a maker, a hobbyist, a tinkerer, or a lifelong apprentice, MACH 210 will take your skills to the next level!
Welding
WELD 205: Introduction to Welding
This is an introduction course to the world of welding and is the best way to experience different types of welding processes. WELD 205 involves a little bit of lecture and a lot of hands-on experience practicing a variety of welding, or ways to melt metal together. We will learn how to safely set up a machine and cut or fuse two pieces of metal together and how each process differs. The welding processes we learn will give you the foundation for beginning a career in fabrication, art, structural, automotive, and aerospace industries. Learn how to play with fire safely. WELD 205 is an excellent bonding experience!
Wood Technology
WDTEC 255: Survey Course for the Skilled Trades
This is a short-term survey course (.5 units). It is typically targeted at high school students or recent high school graduates interested in exploring the field of study but not ready to commit to the full program requirements. This is a fully hands-on lab experience. This course is usually offered as part of the Laney summer institute and had parallel courses options in carpentry, machine technology, and welding.
