Construction Trades Program (Seniors Only)

    • Course Description

      Students build a skill set that includes framing, estimating, roofing, and interior finishing, learn how to read and interpret blueprints and build structures using a wide range of professional power tools and carpentry materials, and hone employability skills through study of the PACT curriculum.

    • Prerequisites at the Time of Senior Year Enrollment

      Minimum of 11 core credits (2.5 must be English), completion of Construction Innovations or previous construction-related coursework, on track to graduate

    • Credits & Certifications Offered

       
      High School Credit
      • 3 CTE Year One

      College Credit
      • Ranken Technical College - college credit opportunities exist through credit for prior learning or credit by assessment

      Certifications
      • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – 10 hour Construction Industry Certification
      • CPR
       
      *College credit and certification are not guaranteed. Their attainment is dependent on student performance in both the course and on external industry assessments. All certifications are through external agencies and the accommodations permitted will vary from assessment to assessment. Additionally, students must participate in the full two years of the program to be potentially eligible for all certifications listed.

    • How Will My Time Be Spent? 

      Program Year Classroom Time Lab Time
      CTE Year One 25% or less 75% or more

    • Tech is Real World Learning

      Students in this program learn through the use of a variety of industry grade tools and equipment and texts. Their real world labs also require uniforms and personal protective equipment.

      Tools & Equipment

      • Personal protective equipment
      • Hand tools
      • Corded power tools
      • Cordless power tools
      • Pneumatic tools
      • Saws
      • Drills
      • Routers
      • Stationary power tools
      • Table and mitre saws
      • Heavy equipment

      Academic Materials

      • Modern Carpentry, Modern Plumbing, and Modern Residential Wiring
      • PACT Curriculum - a postsecondary text

      Uniform Requirements

      • Work boots, jeans or work pants, and a cotton shirt
      • Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the lab space

    • Essential Skills Needed for Success

      Students learn the entry level skills necessary to prepare for post-secondary education and the highly competitive world of work. Traditionally, successful students have mastered the processing and/or physical skills listed below prior to enrollment.

      Core Essential Skills

      • Understand and use basic math computations; including percentages, fractions, decimals, rulers and standard units of measurement

      • Attention to detail

      • Critical thinking and problem solving skills

      • Have an awareness of personal safety in the shop, adhere to safety procedures and assume personal responsibility

      • Grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects and quickly move hands together with arm, or move two hands together

      • Make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects

      • Able to climb, lift and carry objects of 50 pounds or more, and handle taxing physical activity

      • Tolerate a construction environment which includes high places, small spaces, extreme temperatures, dirty spaces, loud noises, and a variety of construction-related smells

      For a complete list of essential skills please review the Course Overview Guide.

    Program Information

    • Paul HeumannPaul Heumann

      Construction Trades
      314.989.7550
      Send an Email

      Mr. Paul Heumann has been in the Construction industry for 17 years and began teaching at South Tech High School in 1999. Prior to joining the Tech team, Mr. Heumann was a Brick and Stone Mason and is the South Tech High authorized OSHA outreach trainer. Paul also has extensive knowledge of many aspects of construction.

      Paul Petrus

      Paul Petrus
      Construction Trades
      314.989.7434
      Send an Email

      Mr. Petrus has been in the construction industry for over 30 years. He started out working for small remodeling companies during high school and college. Eventually he joined the Carpenters union and advanced to the level of journeyman. In 2008 he took an early retirement and began teaching at South Tech. As a member of South Tech he enjoys coming to work and sharing his experiences with his students.