Each first year student enrolled in the construction trade program areas (Building Trades, Carpentry, Electrical Construction, HVAC, Masonry, and Welding) will receive 75 hours of training in a Core Curriculum program focusing on introductory craft skills.

This standardized curriculum, developed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), is built on industry standards, is competency based, and is taught nation-wide by builders associations, secondary and post-secondary schools.

• Basic Safety - Explains the safety obligations and good practices of workers, supervisors, and managers to ensure a safe workplace. Reviews the role of OSHA regulations and company policies in maintaining a safe workplace.
• Introduction to Construction Math - Reviews basic mathematical functions and relates their application to the construction trades. Also reviews basic geometry as applied to common shapes and forms.
• Introduction to Hand Tools - Introduces students to the safe operation of the hand tools that are widely used to perform their daily duties in the construction trades. Explains specific applications of each tool and illustrates their proper use.
• Introduction to Power Tools - Provides detailed descriptions of commonly used power tools. Illustrates proper application, safety, and maintenance. Reviews applications of proper use, safety, and maintenance.
• Introduction to Blueprints - Familiarizes trainees with basic blueprint terms, components, and symbols. Instructs trainees on how to interpret the various types of drawings used in construction.
• Basic Rigging - Explains the safe operation and principles behind ropes, chains, hoists, loaders, and cranes that are used to move material and equipment on the job site.
• Basic communication Skills - Provides trainees with techniques for communicating effectively with supervisors and co-workers in person, over the telephone and with email.
• Basic Employability Skills - Identifies the roles of individuals and companies in the construction industry. Introduces trainees to critical thinking, problem solving skills, computer systems, and their industry applications.