The Building Construction Program provides participants the opportunity to complete hands-on projects under the supervision of experienced craft-workers from the Building Construction (Trades) Program. Technical subject matter, applied mathematics, technical reading, blueprint interpretation, safety, health, and physical fitness are reinforced by completion of an extensive array of trade specific assignments. In addition, other employment opportunities are made available through elective courses. The program courses are offered in a bundled format over multiple terms and in sequence.

Program contact: Learn more

This certificate will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the certificate, please notify the Office of the Registrar at RegistrarOffice@tri-c.edu.

The Building Construction program prepares students to apply for entry into an apprenticeship program in the construction trades. Learn more about the related apprenticeship programs a student could apply to after completing this certificate program. 

Program Admission Requirements

  • MATH-0915 Basic Arithmetic and Pre-Algebra with grade of "C" or higher, or appropriate score on Math Placement Test.

Program Learning Outcomes

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

  1. Increase the participant's awareness of career path options in the construction skilled trades.
  2. Inform the participants of the physical, and environmental nature associated with the trades.
  3. Prepare the participant for the construction contractor hiring process including math assessment.
  4. Prepare the participant for physically rigorous nature of construction trades industry.
  5. Inform the participant of the seasonal nature of work, travel and transportation requirements.
  6. Develop or enhance the participant’s spatial visualization skills, and mechanical aptitude.
  7. Instruct the participant in construction related mathematical calculations.
  8. Introduce the participant to skilled trades common practices.
  9. Provide the participant an awareness of the benefits offered by merit and union employment
  10. Introduce participants to college policies, resources, and best approaches to study, and examination.
  11. Introduce participant to principles and practices in sustainability, alternative energy, conservation, recycling, and structural weatherization.

Suggested Semester Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterCredit Hours
AIT-1010 Construction Measurements and Calculations 4
AIT-1020 Comprehension and Communication for Construction 2
AIT-1030 Basic Construction Language 2
AIT-1040 Spatial and Mechanical Reasoning 1
AIT-1050 Construction Industry Orientation 3
AIT-1060 Construction Tools 2
AIT-1120 Building Construction Laboratory 3
 Credit Hours17
 Total Credit Hours17

MATH-1140, MATH-1141, MATH-1200, MATH-1270, and MATH-1280 can no longer count towards fulfilling the college-level mathematics requirement.  These courses were re-classified as developmental mathematics by the state of Ohio in 2016.  Tri-C established a 5-year transitioning window for students who had completed these courses prior to 2016 to apply them towards meeting graduation requirements, which expired in Summer 2021. It is highly recommended to see a counselor to determine the appropriate math required for your current major.