Take a New Direction with MSC's Construction Trades Program

Looking at a new direction for a better career? Check out the Maricopa Skill Center Construction Trades program!

Program details: 

Construction Trades is a clock hour program; students are in class at least six hours a day, Monday-Thursday. Times of completion vary from four to six months depending on the certificate of choice

What the students learn: 

MSC allows students a unique hands-on approach to learn the skills they will need to use in the construction industry. The school offers four certificates in Construction Trades.

Electrical

During the program, students will learn about electricity, manual and power tools, installation, and NEC code standards.

Rough Carpentry

Throughout the course, students learn a basic overall training, which is applicable for residential building to commercial construction or remodeling work.

Plumbing

Students in the program will learn about leaking fixtures, faucets, pipes, clogged drains and handle septic problems.

Solar Photovoltaic

While in the program, students learn how to properly install solar panels, including the electrical components needed. It is a growing field with a high demand.

Certificates:

All Construction Trade certificates provide graduates with Level-1 NCCER certifications.

After graduation: 

Students can look forward to jobs as an apprentice electrician/plumber/carpenter, or a solar installer.

Find out more! Call 602.238.4350. Visit the website. Public tours are available 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Program of the Week: Construction Trades

Construction Trades: Rough Carpentry Framer

Most say that a dog is a man's best friend. When he's feeling upset, his dog always finds a way to accompany him. When he's in need of someone to talk to, his dog is always there to listen. When he succeeds, his dog is there to celebrate. So, what better way to return the favor by providing him with security and warmth with a fabulous doghouse? 

Students from the Construction Trades (YouthBuild) program at Maricopa Skill Center demonstrate proper instructions on how to build a doghouse. 

Instructor, Marc Woehl (left), assists students in using a jig saw. 

Materials and Tools:

Goggles
Palette
Plywood
2x4 Boards
Roofing Shingles
Nails
Paint
Paint Brushes
Skill Saw
Jig Saw
Sallzall
Miter Box
Nail Gun

Building the Foundation
A 28x32 palette is used to build the foundation of the doghouse. Plywood is nailed to the top of the palette to cover the frame.

Constructing the Walls
To construct the walls, chalk lines are made on the foundation to lay out where each will be placed. The walls are then assembled using a nail gun. In addition, doors and windows are laid out and measured for proper cutting.

Student, Adam Clark, uses a miter saw for trimming.

Framing the Roof
The layout of the roof is determined by calculating the roof's slope and distance.
The wall is then marked at the top to indicate the placement of each rafter, which is measured at every two feet. After the measurements of the rafters are checked, they are assembled by nailing the structures together. The rafters are then sheathed with 1/2 inch plywood.

Installing Roof Shingles
The length and width of the roof are measured to determine how many shingles are needed. Once the first row of shingles are aligned at the bottom edge of the roof, they are installed by hammering the nails in. The process of this is repeated for the next following rows.

Student, Walter Elera, applies a coat of paint.

Preparing for Paint
The doghouse is then examined for imperfections by using a caulk gun to fill in the gaps to prevent water from leaking in. After this process is completed, primer is applied around the doghouse.

Painting the Doghouse
After one coat of paint was applied to the doghouse, it took about 24 hours for it to completely dry. 

Well, would you look at that? Although it takes a lot of time, effort, and skill to build a doghouse, the owners are definitely proud of their home sweet home.

Thank you to our instructor and students for doing such marvelous work. As a matter of fact, these houses were presented at the Home and Landscape Show last April.

Stay tuned for next week's program spotlight: Precision Machining!