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High School Programs

Construction Related Careers

Baltimore County offers an array of programs for students interested in the construction or building trades. Program offerings vary from school to school and include:

Carpentry: Students in this program acquire information and experience related to residential and commercial construction. Hand and power tools, leveling instruction, foundation layout, grades of lumber, fasteners, floor and wall construction, partitions, roof construction, insulation, blueprint reading, forming and job estimating are units of instruction emphasized for carpentry students. Set construction, theatre set-up, and related performing arts project construction are unique carpentry skills taught at Carver Center for Arts and Technology. Students completing the program successfully are eligible for advanced placement in first year apprenticeship in the Associated Builders and Contractors' (ABC) Apprentice Program. They may also be eligible for advanced placement and/or testing opportunities through other union or non-union apprenticeship programs and/or receive college credit at a post-secondary institution through an articulation agreement. Upon graduation, students can enter employment, complete journey person apprenticeship, and/or earn a degree at a two- or four-year college.

Construction Management: Students in the Construction Management program acquire the necessary skills and practical experience to be successful in a career in the construction industry. Construction management skills include accounting and leadership. An emphasis on carpentry skills includes training in commercial and residential framing, flooring and roofing systems, and other basic and advanced carpentry skills. Students will also learn basic electrical wiring, blueprint reading and estimating skills. A school to work component may be available in the senior year. Students completing the program successfully are eligible for advanced placement in first year apprenticeship in the Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) Apprentice Program. They may also be eligible for advanced placement and/or testing opportunities through other union or non-union apprenticeship programs and/or receive college credit at a post-secondary institution through an articulation agreement. Upon graduation students can enter employment, complete journeyperson apprenticeship, and/or earn a degree at a two or four year college. Long-term opportunities may include management positions of foreman, job superintendent, project manager, or owner-operator of a business.

Electrical Careers: Students receive instruction in the procedures required for the installation and repair of wiring and control systems for residential and commercial systems. Instruction includes basic electrical theory, circuitry, motor control wiring, circuit protection, installation of lighting and power circuits (both commercial and residential) and the use of electrical test equipment. Theory taught in the instructional portion of this program follows the guidelines established by the National Electrical Code. Students completing the program successfully are eligible for advanced placement in first year apprenticeship in the Associated Builders and Contractors' (ABC) Apprentice Program. They may also be eligible for advanced placement and/or testing opportunities through other union or non-union apprenticeship programs and/or receive college credit at a post-secondary institution through an articulation agreement. Upon graduation, students can enter employment, complete journey person apprenticeship, and/or earn a degree at a two- or four-year college.

Industrial Engineering: Industrial Engineering is a rigorous program of studies that prepares students with related academic, workplace readiness, as well as technical and life-long learning skills that are needed in the modern industrial workplace.. The program includes hands-on experience and instruction in quality control theories, blue print reading, communications skills, problem solving, world-class manufacturing, ISO 9000, hand and power tools, and shop safety. Major industrial related technical skills development is emphasized in computer operated machining, industrial maintenance, certified welding, and precision sheet metal. Internships and postsecondary educational opportunities will include: career pathways in precision Automated Production Machine Operator, Quality Assurance Technician, Millwright, Sheet metal Layout and Fabrication Specialist, production, and Maintenance Welder and Production Manager. Students will be prepared to apply their knowledge to real-world business industry applications and to enter employment and/or two or four year college after graduation.

Mechanical Construction/Plumbing Careers: This program prepares students in residential and commercial construction to install and maintain water supply systems, waste removal systems, and various fixtures and gas appliances that provide for personal comfort in the home or commercial business setting. The plumbing program provides as close to an on-the-job situation as possible. Students learn and freely use the tools of the trade along with blueprint reading, residential plumbing, joining cast-iron pipe, making flare and compression joints, commercial plumbing drain and waste piping, venting, and faucet/fixture repair installation. Students completing the program successfully are eligible for advanced placement in first year apprenticeship in the Associated Builders and Contractors' (ABC) Apprentice Program. They may also be eligible for advanced placement and/or testing opportunities through other union or non-union apprenticeship programs and/or receive college credit at a post-secondary institution through an articulation agreement. Upon graduation, students can enter employment, complete journey person apprenticeship, and/or earn a degree at a two- or four-year college.
For more information about Construction Related Programs check the following links (not sponsored by Baltimore County Public Schools):

• Description of Occupations for Construction Managers - www.bls.gov/oco/
• Description of Construction Trades Occupations - www.bls.gov/
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Website - www.abc.org/
• National Electrical Contractors Association - www.necanet.org/

Salary Information for Construction Related Careers:

• Construction and Extraction Occupations - www.bls.gov/oes/
• Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations -www.bls.gov/
• The 2000-10 Job Outlook in Brief - www.bls.gov/opub/

Magnet Schools Offering
Construction Related Programs
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