Preparation for technical occupations in building construction, including general contractor, carpenter, and mason and field supervisor. The program includes both classroom and laboratory instruction, emphasizing materials, methods and procedures. This program has been articulated with some area high schools. Recent high school graduates may have earned credit in this program through high school coursework. Refer to the Dual Credit webpage for more information.
Mission
The South Suburban College Building Construction Technology Program is continually updated to reflect current techniques, equipment and technology. Courses include Electrical and Mechanical techniques, cost estimating, project supervision and management, drafting, and methods in wood, masonry, and hands-on classes in carpentry, masonry plumbing, and electrical.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who complete the Associates of Applied Science in Building Construction Technology Program at South Suburban College will be prepared for employment in building construction trades and the management skills needed to supervise a project from beginning to end. The mission and philosophy of the SSC Building Construction Technology Program serves as the framework for the rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that ensures student success. Graduates will be prepared for the profession by demonstrating an active understanding of:
- Principles of general contracting
- Basic Codes
- Supervising; Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, and Masons
- Build/Rehab; energy efficient homes
- Construction materials and methods in wood, electrical and masonry
- Basic elements at any construction site
What is the employment outlook?
The overall employment of construction workers is projected to grow 12% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
South Suburban College’s Building Construction Technology program prepares students for a career as a building trade’s person. Job opportunities are available in the private or public sector of the industry through work in local, State and government agencies.
Employment opportunities for Building Construction Technology graduates are excellent, with median annual earnings of $35,000 to $65,000 according to usnews.com/careers.
Building Construction Technology AAS Degree (BLD.AAS)
Overview for College Success
Overview for College Success (OCS 121) is a course designed to assist students in the navigation of becoming successful in college and life. Major topics include setting academic, career and personal goals; effective communication strategies; study skills; critical thinking; self-discovery; and learning styles. In addition, this course delves into topics such as stress management, diversity and other well-being topics. Students will develop educational and career plans, learn to utilize college resources and receive extensive help in course planning. OCS 121 credit is not calculated in the course minimum credit totals listed in this section.
Students must take OCS 121 if they meet one or more of the following:
- First time degree seeking students.
- Transfer student with less than 12 credit hours and no evidence of similar course on transcript.
- Registering for 6 or more credits.
- Test into 2 or more developmental classes.
- Currently does not have OCS credit or registered for OCS.
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| General Education | ||
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| SPE 108 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| GROUP II | Select from Humanities Electives Students earning an Associate degree must meet the requirement for coursework on improving human relations as defined in Public Act 87-581. |
3 |
| GROUP III | Select from Social Science Electives Students earning an Associate degree must meet the requirement for coursework on improving human relations as defined in Public Act 87-581. |
3 |
| GROUP IV | Select a Math Elective OR Select a Physical and Life Science Elective. (Must include one lab) |
3-4 |
| Program Core | ||
| BCD 104 | Residential Plumbing Inspections | 3 |
| BLD 100 | General Contract Green Home | 2 |
| BLD 101 | Construction Materials & Methods I – Wood | 4 |
| BLD 102 | Construction Materials & Methods II – Masonry | 4 |
| BLD 103 | Home Energy Dynamics | 3.5 |
| BLD 105 | Print Reading for Building Construction | 3 |
| BLD 106 | OSHA 30 Hr Construction Safety | 3 |
| BLD 203 | Estimating | 3.5 |
| BLD 206 | Construction Material & Methods IV – Electrical | 4 |
| BLD 210
BLD 220 |
Renovate Energy Efficient Green Home OR Build Energy Efficient Green Home I |
5
6 |
| BLD 215 | Plan Energy Efficient Green Home | 3 |
| BLD 221 | Build Energy Efficient Green Home II | 6 |
| DRF 101 | Architectural Drafting I | 3 |
| ENG 121 | Technical Business Writing | 3 |
| Minimum for Degree: | 66-67 | |
Solar Photovoltaic Installation Tech (BLD.CERT.SPV)
The Solar PV Installation Technician advanced certificate program is intended to prepare students for entry-level employment in the solar industry based on the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) standards. Students will complete the program with basic skills needed to size, design and install solar systems. In addition, students will gain general construction experience, safety training, print reading skills, and basic electrical circuit training. The program will prepare students for the NCCER Core and Solar PV Installer certification exams as well as the NABCEP PV Associate Level exam.
Gainful Employment Information
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| Semester One | ||
| BLD 100 | How to General Contract a Green Home | 2 |
| BLD 103 | Home Energy Dynamics | 3.5 |
| BLD 105 | Print Reading for Bld Construction | 3 |
| BLD 106 | OSHA 30Hr for Construction Safety | 3 |
| SPV 100 | Introduction to Craft Skills | 3 |
| Semester Two | ||
| BLD 101 | Construction Materials & Methods, I – Wood | 4 |
| ELC 101 | Electrical Circuits I | 4 |
| SPV 101 | Solar PV Installation | 3 |
| BLD 210
BLD 220 |
Renovate Energy Efficient Green Home OR Build Energy Efficient Green Home I |
5
6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30.5 | |
Building Construction Technology Basic Certificates
Building Rehabilitation (BLD.BASIC.REHAB)
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| BLD 101 | Construction Materials & Methods I – Wood | 4 |
| BLD 103 | Home Energy Dynamics | 3.5 |
| BLD 106 | OSHA 30 Hr Construction Safety | 3 |
| BLD 210
BLD 220 |
Renovate Energy Efficient Green Home OR Build Energy Efficient Green Home I |
6
5 |
| BLD 221 | Build Energy Efficient Green Home II | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21-22 | |
|---|---|---|
Construction Supervision & Management (BLD.BASIC.SUPVMGT)
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| BLD 100 | General Contract Green Home | 2 |
| BLD 105 | Print Reading for Building Construction | 3 |
| BLD 106 | OSHA 30 Hr Construction Safety | 3 |
| BLD 203 | Estimating | 3.5 |
| BLD 205 | Project Supervision & Management | 3 |
| BLD 215 | Plan Energy Efficient Green Home | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17.5 | |
|---|---|---|
Green Building Construction (BLD.BASIC.CONGR)
Gainful Employment Information
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| BCD 190 | International Energy Code | 3 |
| BLD 100 | General Contract Green Home | 2 |
| BLD 103 | Home Energy Dynamics | 3.5 |
| BLD 106 | OSHA 30 Hr Construction Safety | 3 |
| BLD 107 | Pre-Apprenticeship | 3 |
| BLD 157 | Green Construction Career Planning | 2 |
| BIO 103 | Environmental Biology | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20.5 | |
|---|---|---|
Home Maintenance (BLD.BASIC.HOMEMAIN)
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| BLD 101 | Introduction to Carpentry | 4 |
| BLD 102 | Construction Material & Methods II – Masonry | 4 |
| BLD 206 | Construction Material & Methods IV – Electrical | 4 |
| BCD 104 | Residential Plumbing Inspections | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 | |
|---|---|---|
HVACR Technician Certificate (BLD.BASIC.HVACR)
Gainful Employment Information
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| BLD 106 | OSHA 30hr Construction Safety Certificate | 1.5 |
| BLD 140 | HVACR Tech 1 | 4 |
| BLD 141 | HVACR Tech 2 | 4 |
| BLD 142 | Duct Fabrication | 3 |
| BLD 150 | Introduction to “Green” Building Science | 2 |
| BLD 206 | Residential Electrical Wiring | 4 |
| BCD 106 | Mechanical Inspections | 3 |
| BCD 190 | International Energy Conservation Code | 3 |
| ELC 101 | Electrical Circuits 1 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28.5 | |
|---|---|---|
Industrial/Brownfield Safety, Land Reuse, & Public Health (BLD.BASIC.BRFS)
Gainful Employment Information
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| WLD 130 | General Welding | 4 |
| BLD 159 | Introduction to Brownfields Remediation, Land Reuse, & Public Health | 3 |
| BLD 161 | Basic Safety Training for Construction & Brownfield Workers | 3 |
| BLD 162 | Introduction to Environmental Health | 3 |
| BLD 163 | Basic Site Assessment | 2 |
| BLD 167 | Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response | 3 |
| BLD 168 | Strategies for Safe Handling of Hazardous Substances | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
|---|---|---|