Building Trade Technologies Career Certificate

The construction business in Central Florida is booming, and the demand for construction workers is growing. Learn both sides of the spectrum, residential and commercial, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC and more.

Getting Started: Summer 2024

March 18:  Financial Aid

May 6:  Application

May 13:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Dedicated faculty: Faculty are "scholar-practitioners" with industry experience as well as academic credentials.  
  • Affordable tuition: Seminole State has significantly lower costs than trade schools.
  • High-tech facilities: Labs are equipped with the latest technologies that simulate real-world job conditions.  
  • Industry involvement: Our industry-focused certificate programs offer excellent connections to Central Florida employers.
  • Hands-on experience: Practical, hands-on learning experiences prepare students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
  • Career advancement: Graduates are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce upon certificate completion.

Additional Information

Building Trade Technologies
Type: Career Certificate
Major Code: GENBLD-VC
CIP: 0646041506

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Summer 2024
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Core Prerequisites: The following courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher:

Workplace Safety and Tool Skills
90
Hours
Students entering into the construction building trade programs are introduced to common sense safety practices in order to minimize on-the-job injurues. An emphasis will be placed on jobsite safety rules, personal safety attitudes and behaviors. This course encompasses industry standards such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the proper use of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and scaffolding. Students will become familiar with emergency response and disaster plans. Lab fee required.
Introduction to Blueprint Reading
90
Hours
Students entering into the construction building trades are introduced to the different types of plans used in the industry and how information is conveyed through these documents. This course will familiarize students with light construction building systems and a variety of assemblies. Topics include basic construction abbreviations, symbology, various scaling of drawings and how the specifications identify materials and methods. Related building codes will be briefly discussed. Students will also gain practical math skills needed in the architectural, construction and associated subcontract or professions, such as measurements for material, calculation of work hours and labor costs. Lab fee required.

Required courses:  BCV 0004, BCV 0441C, BCV 0513L, BCV 0600C and BCV 0942C must be completed with a "C" or higher.

Construction Building Science and Methods
90
Hours
Students are introduced to building science, materials and methods for today's facilities. Emerging technologies, materials and processes that impact the operation and maintenance of facilities will be explored. Students will gain an understanding of sustainability, sustainable building design and its relationship between health, energy efficiency and its economic benefits. Sustainable materials, practices and processes and renewable energy sources related to the built environment will be highlighted. Students will become familiar with legal constraints, the permitting process and gain a basic understanding of building codes. Standard practices and acceptable techniques will be emphasized. The course includes both online learning and on-campus experiences. Students must have access to a computer and the internet.
HVACR 1
90
Hours
This introductory course provides an overview of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems in residential and commercial settings. Students will gain knowledge of heating and cooling principles, standard safety practices in the industry and selecting refrigerants according to their properties. Other topics presented in the course include determining the appropriate refrigerant level and repair/troubleshooting techniques. Emerging technologies in the HVACR industry such as computer monitoring control systems and air quality management will be introduced. Lab fee required.
Plumbing 1
90
Hours
This introductory course provides an understanding of basic plumbing components and systems. In a lab setting, the course integrates hands-on experience working with various pipes, fittings, connectors and fixtures commonly used in the plumbing trade. Students will also gain knowledge in the layout and installation of a water distribution system. Lab fee required.
Basic Electrical Skills
90
Hours
This introductory course provides an understanding of basic electrical theory and skills necessary for maintenance and repairs. An emphasis will be placed on safety practices and procedures when working with electrical systems. In a lab setting, students will gain hands-on experience working with wiring, circuitry and troubleshooting electrical systems. Other topics include the various phases of electrical generation; schematics and symbols of electrical systems; and using Ohm's Lay to determine power. This course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
Building Maintenance Capstone
90
Hours
The certificate program culminates in this capstone course. A combination of classroom and/or online topics in project management, entrepreneurship opportunities and employability skills will complement the mastery of skills acquired throughout the program. In a lab setting, students will demonstrate knowledge on a comprehensive team project. Students must have access to a computer and the internet. Lab fee required.
Introduction to Carpentry and Finishing Techniques
90
Hours
Students will be introduced to basic carpentry skills to include both rough and finish carpentry. In a hands-on lab environment, students will become familiar with various building systems such as roof, wall and ceiling framing and will develop skills installing windows, doors and cabinetry. An emphasis will be placed on safety and the proper use of hand and power tools. Drywall installation and finishing techniques will also be introduced. Product knowledge of primers, paints and stains and proper application techniques are also covered in the course. Lab fee required.
Working in Construction Industries
90
Hours
Beyond the technical skills acquired throughout the program, workforce or employability readiness skills are objectives of this course. Students will be introduced to the importance of soft skills such as effective communication, interpersonal relationships, teamwork, organizational/time management skills and a strong work ethic. Additionally, students will learn about contracts, gain an awareness of the purpose of building and zoning codes and discuss situations where permits may be required. Students will also learn about professional licensing and exam preparation.
Electrical 2
90
Hours
This intermediate course builds on the understanding of basic electrical theory and skills necessary for maintenance and repairs. An emphasis will be placed on safety practices and procedures when working with electrical systems. New topics introduced include how to identify and install raceways and conductors, install GFCI devices, install electrical components of electrical systems and sizing overcurrent devices. Lab fee required.
Electrical 2
75
Hours
This course builds on the understanding of basic electrical theory and skills necessary for maintenance and repairs. An emphasis will be placed on safety practices and procedures when working with electrical systems. New topics introduced include how to identify and install feeders and services, dress out electrical panels safely and properly and test for faults on electrical systems. Discuss the various types of faults common to electrical systems and how to mitigate them. Lab fee required.
HVACR 2
90
Hours
This course encompasses a more in-depth study of the HVACR mechanical trade. Students will gain knowledge in heat load calculations, refrigerant recovery, brazing and soldering and system charging. Other topics presented in this course include pipe cutting and fitting, VAV systems and VFD systems. A more advanced study of the physics, components and application of the refrigeration process will be introduced. Lab fee required.
HVACR 3
75
Hours
This course encompasses an advanced study of the HVACR mechanical trade. Students will gain knowledge in mechanical codes and requirements, duct sizing and design and fluid dynamics. Other topics presented in this course are airflow measurement and analysis along with indoor air quality. Water quality and control and system design will be introduced. Lab fee required.
Plumbing 2
90
Hours
This course encompasses a more in-depth study of the plumbing trade. In a lab setting, the course integrates hands-on experience working with the layout and installation of a drain-waste-and vent system for a project. Students will also gain knowledge with the design, layout and installation of a domestic solar hot water system. The testing and inspecting of plumbing systems will also be introduced. Lab fee required.
Plumbing 3
75
Hours
This course encompasses a more advanced study of the plumbing trade. Students will gain knowledge in finish plumbing skills. In a lab setting, the course integrates hands-on experience working with the installation of bathroom fixtures and hardware in addition to kitchen fixtures and hardware. Lab fee required.
Total Hours: 900

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Tuition and Fees*

 Seminole State
Tuition$70
Fees$14
Total per Credit Hour$84
Total per Contact Hour Rate$3

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on program costs for in-state students according to the current fee schedule. The cost for books, supplies and any other program-related expenses will vary by program. Financial aid may be available for qualified students. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.