Introduction to Construction Trades Quality Pre-Apprenticeship

• Jobsite safety and hazard prevention
• Reading construction drawings and measurements
• Operating hand and power tools
• Effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork
• Time management and dependability

Work on real-world projects, gain practical experience in framing, finishing, roofing, and materials handling.

Over 75% of your training hours will be spent on the jobsite, applying your skills building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

Receive a number of industry-recognized credentials, including National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills, Construction Safety, and OSHA-10.

This program is certified by NCCER, a nationally-recognized provider of construction trades curriculum, assessments, and safety-conscious programming.

This program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid but other sponsorships and assistance often pay for the total class cost, including WE Build Waterloo and AmeriCorps Build Crew Member. 

Discover Your Funding Options!

Must be 17+ years of age and interested in working in the construction trades.

You will have access to High School Completion or English Language Learning courses, if needed.

• Basic Safety: Presents basic jobsite safety information to prepare workers for the construction environment. Describes the common causes of workplace incidents and accidents and how to avoid them. Introduces common personal protective equipment, including equipment required for work at height, and its proper use. Information related to safety in several specific environments, including welding areas and confined spaces, is also provided.
• Introduction to Construction Math: Reviews basic math skills related to the construction trades and demonstrates how they apply to the trades. Covers multiple systems of measurement, decimals, fractions, and basic geometry.
• Introduction to Hand Tools: Introduces common hand tools used in a variety of construction crafts. Identifies tools and how to safely use them. Also presents proper hand tool maintenance.
• Introduction to Power Tools: Identifies and describes the operation of many power tools common in the construction environment. Provides instruction on proper use, as well as safe-handling guidelines and basic maintenance.
• Construction Drawings: Introduces the basic terms, components, and symbols of construction drawings, as well as the most common drawing types. Also covers the interpretation and use of drawing dimensions.
• Basic Rigging (elective): Provides basic information related to rigging and rigging hardware, such as slings, rigging hitches, and hoists. Emphasizes safe working habits in the vicinity of rigging operations.
• Basic Communication Skills: Provides techniques for effective communication on the job. Includes examples that emphasize the importance of both written and verbal communication skills. Describes the importance of reading skills in the construction industry and discusses effective telephone and email communication skills.
• Basic Employability Skills: Describes the opportunities offered by the construction trades. Discusses critical thinking and essential problem-solving skills. Also identifies and discusses positive social skills and presents information on computer systems and their industry applications.
• Introduction to Materials Handling: Describes the hazards associated with handling materials and provides techniques to avoid both injury and property damage. Also introduces common material handling equipment.