Programs

Building Construction & Cabinetmaking

Technical Diploma

Credits:

36.00

Financial Aid Eligible

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

Construction Industry BasicsCourse: 10410103Credits: 2.00

This course provides an overview of the professions found within the construction industry. Students will research skills necessary for success within their chosen field and correlate to their personal strengths. Students will also learn to interpret architectural construction documents and be introduced to the assemblies that make up a building. An exploration of building science principles will provide a foundation for future coursework.

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Residential CabinetmakingCourse: 31409323Credits: 5.00

This course introduces students to concepts that include stationary and portable woodworking equipment, operations, and safety. The lumber milling process, joinery used in woodworking, and general shop safety operations will be introduced and applied. These skills will lead into design concepts and construction methods used in residential cabinetmaking. Students will work with manufactured wood products, hardwoods, and hardware and will construct cabinet cases, doors, and drawers. Students will custom build the cabinets for a newly constructed home.

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Commercial CabinetryCourse: 31409335Credits: 4.00

In this course, students will study the materials and equipment used in the commercial cabinetmaking field, including high pressure laminates, substrates, adhesives, and hardware. Hands-on lab sessions will enable students to construct various types of commercial casework and countertops, utilizing traditional techniques alongside modern technologies such as CNC machines for enhanced precision and efficiency.

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Site Layout and ConcreteCourse: 31410303Credits: 1.00

Students will be introduced to measuring and layout procedures and site development using surveying equipment such as digital theodolites, lasers, and total station. Concrete as a building material, foundation walls and footings, flatwork, and below grade foundation preparation will be studied as well.

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Applied Math 1 - WoodCourse: 31804315Credits: 1.00

Students will develop basic math skills needed to solve general problems encountered in the carpentry trades. These include working with fractions and decimals, calculator operation, measurement and conversion, perimeter, area, volume, concrete estimation, board measure and lumber pricing concepts. This course is the first in a two-part sequence.

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Strengths Seminar (Technical Diploma)Course: 31890300Credits: 1.00

=This course supports learners as they make the transition to college, as appropriate to their area of interest. Students will investigate their strengths to adopt successful academic habits, explore career goals, build digital literacy, navigate campus resources, and foster community, belonging, and wellness. This version supports technical diploma programs.

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Second Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

Interior TrimCourse: 31410322Credits: 4.00

This course introduces the materials and techniques used to install interior cabinetry and trim work. Students will practice installation of interior doors, casing, base, crown molding, and complete the finish of a stair balustrade in the framing lab. Students will complete the interior finishing aspects of a residential structure to include pre-hung door installation, door and window casing, base board, stair finishes, and cabinet and countertop installation. Students will perform these finishing operations by completing the interior trim work for a newly constructed home.

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Residential Blueprint ReadingCourse: 31410329Credits: 1.00

In this course students will study various construction systems as they related to their drawings. Roof framing plans, stair construction from a section drawing, window schedules and catalogs, interior and exterior finishes, multifamily dwellings and code requirements for a residential structure will be referenced for related trade information.

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Framing TechniquesCourse: 31410333Credits: 5.00

This course introduces the theory, materials, methods, and procedures used to construct floor, wall, roof systems, and staircases for wood-framed structures. Students will build a full-size structure in the framing lab using the proper tools, layout techniques, and appropriate materials.

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Commercial Blueprint ReadingCourse: 31410339Credits: 1.00

This course is designed to provide print reading experience in heavy commercial construction. Students will study concepts regarding elements commonly found on prints of large structures. Included are types of construction, site work, structural steel construction, reinforced concrete construction and finish construction.

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Commercial SystemsCourse: 31410360Credits: 1.00

In this course, students will study the materials and methods used for construction of a metal stud framed wall, hollow metal door frame installation, kick-down door frame installation, hollow metal window frame installation, and acoustical ceiling installation.

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Third Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

OSHA for WoodsCourse: 10410101Credits: 1.00

In this course students will study the following: Introduction to OSHA, Focus Four Hazard Fall protection, Struck-by hazards, Caught-in or between hazards, Electrocution hazards, Personal protective and life-saving equipment, health hazards in construction, scaffolds and ladders, and other construction related safety concerns.

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Estimating Bids & SpecsCourse: 31410338Credits: 1.00

This course studies the process of preparing a bid for various work to be performed in the constructional trade. Students will learn to take off information from plans and specifications to prepare materials estimates. Students will estimate labor costs based on industry averages for labor rates. Given the plans and specifications for multiple projects that may include: additions, remodels, new residential construction, agricultural buildings, and commercial construction, students will prepare a bid.

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Residential ConstructionCourse: 31410358Credits: 5.00

In this course, students will construct a home on a building site in the City of La Crosse. On site tasks will include foundation prep, load bearing wall and floor system installation, exterior and interior wall construction, roof truss installation and roof finish, stair construction, and cornice construction. Students will apply on site safety techniques and scaffolding installation as part of their training.

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Exterior FinishesCourse: 31410371Credits: 4.00

In this course, students will complete the exterior finishing aspects of a residential structure. Tasks may include window installation, soffit and fascia installation, exterior trim installation, siding installation, and deck construction and finish. Students will perform these finishing operations by completing the exterior finish work for a newly constructed home.

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