A construction worker working on the framing of a house

Construction Essentials

Technical Diploma

9 Credits | Less than 1 year

Custom Delivery 

Career Cluster: Architecture and Construction

This program is currently only available through customized training. Please connect with Deb Kutrieb, Dean, Skilled Trades at 715.788.7191 or email Deb Kutrieb for any questions regarding training needs.

The Construction Essentials program will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level job success in the construction field.

Program Overview

You will find entry-level job success with an opportunity to build your knowledge, skills and professionalism to further your career. You will learn the basic fundamentals of construction framing and drafting along with print reading and math concepts related to construction. Safety principles and the use of hand and power tools will be covered.

Program Outcomes

Construction Essentials graduates will be able to:

  • Use hand and power tools and equipment
  • Apply industry recognized safety practices and procedures
  • Interpret construction drawings
  • Demonstrate industry building practices and material application
The frame of a shed

Hear From Graduates

"If you have the opportunity to do this, make sure you don't let it go by. You're going to save a lot of time, and you're going to save a lot of money, and you're going to have a lot of fun doing it."

Chris, High School Construction Essentials Academy Graduate
High school students doing hands-on work with construction

Building layouts and framing competencies are applied in the classroom through hands-on learning. 

Construction Essentials students working on a project in shop

Offered at off-campus sites to increase training opportunities for high school students.

Workers looking at a blueprint

You will learn to visualize structures, elevations, views, details and sections from drawings. 


Academics

You will learn the fundamentals of construction framing and drafting along with print reading and math concepts. Safety principles and the use of hand and power tools will also get you on your way towards your career.

Experienced Instructors

You'll learn from industry-respected instructors who have worked in the industry for years.

Fundamental Skills

You will learn construction framing and drafting to meet Wisconsin state code and print reading and math related to the construction field.

Career Pathways

Earn credentials every step of the way! You can complete this course and continue your education to earn the Construction and Cabinetmaking two-year technical diploma to advance your skills. 


Required Courses

This program focuses on construction framing and print reading to get you familiar with the basics of the construction industry.

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Construction Essentials Courses

32410303
|
UGRD
| 4 CR
This is a lab/shop applications course that covers the operations required in building layout, and the framing of floors and walls to meet Wisconsin State Code. Competencies are learned through actual hands-on applications. COREQUISITES: 32410339 Print Reading for Building Construction, and 32804325 Applied Technical Math 1.
32410339
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
This course provides instruction in reading and interpreting shop drawings, residential drawings, and commercial building plans. Emphasis is placed on building terminology and learning conventional techniques of communicating building methods from the designer to the builder. Students learn to visualize the structure and to interpret elevations, plan views, details, and sections from drawings. They also learn to read and interpret building specifications.
32804325
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
This technical diploma course begins with a short review of basic arithmetic skills and continues with the application of these skills. Problem solving involving fractional and decimal dimensions is emphasized. The course also includes introductory algebra with emphasis on utilization of formulas including work with signed numbers. First-degree equation solution is also emphasized.

Construction Essentials is Part of a Career Pathway

As a Construction Essentials student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!

 

You could take this first and get a credential.

Technical Diploma
9 Credits / 1 Year Part Time
Potential Careers
Construction Worker, Construction/Carpenter Laborer, Carpenter Assistant, Carpentry Framer
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to advance your skills.

Technical Diploma
62 Credits / 2 Years Full Time
Potential Careers
Carpenter, Woodworking Machine Operator, Furniture Finisher, Millperson, Machine Setup Person, Cabinetmaker/Furniture Maker, Salesperson, Estimator, Drafter, Material Handling Specialist, Interior/Exterior Finisher
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education and earn a bachelor's degree.


Admissions and Tuition

For more information on this program, scheduled sites and how to applyemail Deb KutriebDean of Skilled Trades, or call 715.788.7191.

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost. 

Learn More About Paying for College

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Construction Essentials

9 Credits | Less than 1 year

$1,540


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Construction Essentials Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Construction Essentials technical diploma. Continue your education at Northwood Tech with the Architectural Woodworking & Cabinetmaking technical diploma and the Construction and Cabinetmaking technical diploma.

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

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Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

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New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.