Construction Trades

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Construction Trades

Build a Lasting Career

A career in construction lets you build and shape the look of your community. You have a sense of accomplishment as you see your work come to life in homes, offices, and other buildings. You also enjoy job stability and the chance to develop useful skills in a hands-on environment.

" My time at Hawkeye really helped develop my skills and gave me a lot of the tools necessary to be successful in my field. "

Jacob Boeshen
Sustainable Construction & Design '19

Choose Your Construction Pathway

Introduction to Construction Trades Quality Pre-Apprenticeship (1 Level) Engage in a 14-week residential construction or rehabilitation project to develop employable job skills.

Basic jobsite safety
Math, measuring, and understanding construction drawings
Operating hand and power tools
Framing and stair layout
Exterior and interior finishing
Roofing
Materials handling
Time management, conflict resolution, communication, and dependability

Explore Introduction to Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship

Carpentry Apprenticeship (4 Levels) 144 classroom training hours.

Working alongside skilled carpenters, you gain hands-on experience and see how they turn blueprints into real structures.

Laying Foundations
Exterior Construction
Roofing
Fine Trim Work

Explore the Carpentry Apprenticeship

Electrical Apprenticeship (4 Levels) 144 classroom training hours. Face-to-face and online options.

Alternating current & electrical basics
Circuits: Basics to advanced
Dwelling unit calculations (single & multi-family)
Motors & Transformers
Exam prep

Explore the Electrical Apprenticeship

Flooring Installation Apprenticeship (1 Level) Face-to-face classes for 3 months.

Working alongside a professional, you get hands-on experience in installing floor coverings and build skills that help you land a job as an advanced beginner.

Estimating
Measuring
Floor Prep
Vinyl Installation
Carpet Installation
Ceramic Tile Installation

Explore the Flooring Installation Apprenticeship

Plumbing Apprenticeship (4 Levels) 144 classroom training hours. Face-to-face and online options.

Level 1

Plumbing Basics
Tools & Materials
Piping & Systems
Safety & Planning

Level 2

Math & Geometry
Piping Systems
Water & Drainage Sizing
Safety & Drawing

Level 3

Plumbing Systems & Fixtures
Blueprints & Plans
Technical Skills
Workplace Basics

Level 4

Plumbing Codes & Standards
Systems & Fixtures
Specialized Systems
Exam & Safety Prep

Explore the Plumbing Apprenticeship

HVAC Apprenticeship (4 Levels) 144 classroom training hours. Face-to-face and online options.

Level 1

HVAC Basics
Air Distribution
Piping Practices
Electricity and Math

Level 2

AC and Heat Pumps
Air Quality and Systems
Installation and Maintenance
Hydronic and Refrigerants

Level 3

HVAC Systems
Installation & Troubleshooting
Electrical & Safety
Codes & Components

Level 4

Systems & Components
Codes & Standards
Installation & Maintenance
Exam Prep & Review

Explore the HVAC Apprenticeship

HVAC Diploma (1 year) Equivalent to Levels 1–3 of the HVAC Apprenticeship

Electricity and electronic controls
Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
Air quality, moisture, and temperature control
Sheet metal fabrication and installation
LP (Propane) Technology

Explore the HVAC 1 year diploma option

Sustainable Construction and Design Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 years)

Put the theories and concepts you learn into practice with:

Foundations
concrete work
Framing
Siding
Roofing
thermal/moisture protection
drywall installation/finishing
stair construction
Finishing
cabinet installation
HVAC
Electrical
Plumbing
Appliances
Landscaping

Explore the Sustainable Construction and Design 2 year AAS Degree

1.6M

New Homes Built in the U.S. Annually

8–10K

New Homes Built in Iowa Annually

Annual Growth for Construction Jobs

Construction Overview

You learn from experts who know the job well and can help you with real-world advice. Their connections can also open doors for job opportunities and networking.

Whether you’re learning on the job, or practicing your skills in one of our labs, you graduate with real experience building modern homes.

The Sustainable Construction and Design AAS degree program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition. You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

The apprenticeship options follows the learn and earn model, where you work for a local business while learning your trade. Your employer may pay some or all of the costs for completing the apprenticeship program.

Our quality pre-apprenticeship programs have funding available to cover the cost of training, including We Build Waterloo and AmeriCorps.