Construction Skills and Technology
Whether you’re looking for a new career path, to upskill, or to learn something new, Construction Skills & Technology is for you.
Learn the basics of AutoCAD software
Introduction to AutoCAD (DFT-3100)
This class introduces you to computer-aided design so you can start exploring the drafting capabilities of AutoCAD software. You will become familiar with the functionality of Auto CAD, including the command structure, menus, layers, and object libraries. You will learn to create, plot, and edit basic drawings, gaining a foundational understanding of CAD programs for further study.
Build your construction skills foundation from the ground up!
CORE: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills (CST-3110)
This course can better prepare you to find your first construction job and then start succeeding on day one. CORE is a largely in-the-classroom course with approximately 2-3 weeks of hands-on tool instruction/practice time in the Construction Technology lab.
Topics:
- Basic construction site safety
- Construction math fundamentals
- Hand tool safety & usage
- Power tool safety & usage
- Construction drawings
- Additional topics may include: career paths in construction, communication skills, employability skills, materials handling.
Credentials earned:
- OSHA-10 Construction Industry Safety Certification
- NCCER Construction Site Safety Orientation credential
Construct a better understanding of the building process
Construction Technology I (CAR-3124)
Understanding a variety of construction techniques can help you build a solid foundation for any career path in the building industry. Construction Technology I focuses on basic framing and other fundamental carpentry skills used to build single-family dwellings. Practice working safely and efficiently while expanding your knowledge of multiple topics related to the residential building process.
Topics:
- Floor systems
- Basic stair layout
- Wall systems
- Ceiling joist and roof framing
- Additional topics may include: exterior finishing; roofing applications; materials estimating; building codes; permits & inspections; design and CAD applications
Your first step to becoming a licensed General Contractor
This fully-online course is designed to help you get ready for the North Carolina Residential Contractor license examination. Class meets online each week for in-depth discussions of the topics you’ll need to understand as a practicing NC contractor. Assigned weekly readings will gradually build your preparedness for the state exam. Special emphasis is placed on the 2018 NC State Building Code. The Residential classification covers all construction and demolition activity pertaining to residential units required to conform to the code adopted by the Building Code Council pursuant to G.S. 143-138.
Topics:- Construction terminology
- Understanding plan sets and drawings
- Interpreting construction specifications
- Estimating procedures
- Work-site safety
- Licensure requirements and classifications
- Business structure
Your path to becoming a skilled HVACR technician
Begin exploring the basics of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry. These courses will introduce you to the fundamentals of installing, maintaining, and servicing HVACR systems and equipment—to help get you started working as a technician in this rewarding career.
Credentials earned:
- Opportunities to earn your EPA Section 60Technicanan Certification for refrigerant handling will be offered several times each year as separate two-weekend course.
HVACR Courses:
HVACR Electrical & Hardware (AHR-3131a)
- Introduction to HVACR
- Trade Mathematics
- Basic Electricity
- Alternating Current
- Fasteners & Hardware
- Basic Maintenance
HVACR Piping & Air Distribution (AHR-3131b)
- Basic Copper & Plastic Piping Practices
- Soldering & Brazing
- Basic Carbon Steel Piping Practices
- Air Distribution Systems
- Air Quality Equipment
- Indoor Air Quality
Cooling Systems (AHR-3131c)
- Introduction to Cooling
- Compressors
- Metering Devices
- Refrigerants & Oils
- Leak Detection, Evacuation, Recovery & Charging
- Heat Pumps (cooling)
Heating Systems (AHR-3131d)
- Introduction to Heating
- Chimneys, Vents & Flues
- Troubleshooting Gas Heating
- Troubleshooting Oil Heating
- Heat Pumps (heating)
HVACR Advanced Topics (AHR-3131e)
- Control Circuit & Motor Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Cooling
- Troubleshooting Heat Pumps
Interest Form
High School Equivalency
HCC's Construction Skills & Technology program is designed to help you on your path to a construction industry career, no matter what your current educational level may be. If you’re seeking to earn your High School Equivalency (HSE) credential along the way, we can help!
HCC offers the High School Equivalency credential at no cost to you with a direct entry into the Construction Skills & Technology program. Offered online or in-person, the HSE credential is a nationally recognized certificate with a focus on specific knowledge measures and soft skills.
Scholarships
HCC's Construction Skills & Technology program was developed to support Haywood County's economy and its residents, by helping to give people the skills they need to thrive in our region's construction industry. Through a Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative grant, HCC is able to provide scholarships to students entering the Construction Skills & Technology program to help offset tuition, course fees, and other expenses. (Available for program course enrollments dated on or before September 30, 2025.)
Partnerships
HCC’s Construction Skills & Technology program is made possible by the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative, a partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
The purpose of the WORC Initiative is to fund grants that support economic mobility, address historic inequities for marginalized communities of color and other under served and underrepresented communities, and produce high-quality employment outcomes for workers who live or work in economically challenged regions, enabling them to remain and thrive in these communities. The WORC Initiative is designed to address persistent economic distress by aligning community-led economic and workforce development strategies and activities to ensure long-term economic resilience and enable workers in the regions to succeed in current and future job opportunities.
BOBCAT CHAT
Want to hear more about HCC's Construction Skills & Technology Program? Take a listen to this Bobcat Chat episode featuring the program coordinator. Corey shares more about each program focus area and how you can get signed up for classes.
Contact Us
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Corey Isbell | 828-565-4244 | HCC-Construction@haywood.edu