The Construction Trades Readiness Certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level
employment and registered apprenticeship opportunities in the building and construction
trades. Based on the nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), the
program provides a comprehensive introduction to construction industry foundations,
trade awareness, blueprint reading, tool competency, electrical systems fundamentals,
safety practices, and career readiness.
Students gain hands-on experience using common construction tools; interpreting plans,
elevations, sections, and construction documents; and completing basic electrical
tasks such as identifying materials, applying OSHA and Lockout/Tagout procedures,
and wiring introductory residential circuits. Coursework emphasizes safety, communication,
professionalism, and equitable workplace practices—including OSHA-10 Construction,
green construction principles, and harassment prevention.
Throughout the program, students explore apprenticeship pathways, union structure,
collective bargaining, and the heritage of the American worker while developing essential
employment skills such as résumé building, portfolio development, and interview preparation.
Graduates of the certificate demonstrate readiness for entry-level construction positions
or admission into a registered apprenticeship program.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Describe apprenticeship programs, union roles, and the heritage of the construction
workforce.
Interpret construction drawings and extract information from plans, elevations, sections,
and details.
Use hand, power, and pneumatic tools safely and perform basic layout, fastening, and
troubleshooting tasks.
Identify electrical components and install basic residential circuits while following
OSHA and LOTO procedures.
Apply OSHA-10 and CPR/First Aid concepts and recognize hazards and protections for
diverse workers.
Demonstrate communication, teamwork, and professionalism; prepare résumés, portfolios,
and interview materials
Courses
This course introduces students to the foundational skills necessary for interpreting
and analyzing construction blueprints. Emphasis is placed on understanding architectural
and engineering symbols, scales, views, and specifications. Students will develop
the ability to read and understand residential and light commercial construction drawings
using industry-standard blueprints.
This integrated lecture and lab course introduces students to the safe, effective,
and professional use of hand and portable power tools used in the building trades.
Through class discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on projects, students will develop
tool identification, maintenance, and operation skills aligned with OSHA and industry
standards. The course emphasizes safety, construction terminology, measurement, layout,
and teamwork. Students will apply lecture theory directly in the lab by building assigned
projects using correct tools and methods. Successful completion prepares students
for entry-level roles in carpentry, facilities, or construction apprenticeship programs.
This course provides essential training for individuals working in general construction
roles, focusing on foundational safety and health principles as required by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Students will learn OSHA standards and regulations
and practical safety practices in construction worksites and settings. Upon successful
completion, students will earn the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety certification,
equipping them with valuable safety skills to enhance workplace safety and compliance.
This course prepares students for entry into the construction trades by introducing
the history, structure, and benefits of the U.S. construction industry and union apprenticeship
system. Students will develop workplace communication, ethics, and job readiness skills.
Emphasis is also placed on green construction practices, sustainability, and sexual
harassment prevention training alongside equity and professionalism in the trades.
Practical readiness activities such as résumé development, portfolio creation, and
mock interviews prepare students for construction trades entry and success.
This combined lecture and lab course introduces students to the fundamental principles
and practical applications of residential electrical systems in the building trades.
Emphasis is placed on electrical safety, tool identification, circuit theory, code
compliance, and hands-on wiring techniques following OSHA and National Electrical
Code (NEC) standards. Students will learn to interpret diagrams, plan and install
circuits, use testing equipment, and troubleshoot wiring systems in simulated residential
settings.
Successful completion prepares students for entry-level employment as electrical helpers
or apprentices and aligns with Home Builders Institute (HBI)’s Pre-Apprenticeship
Certificate Training (PACT) outcomes.
This capstone course is a culminating, hands-on course designed to assess and demonstrate
student mastery of skills developed across the Construction Trades Readiness program
curriculum. Students will integrate knowledge from blueprint reading, construction
math, hand and power tools, framing, and electrical systems to complete a comprehensive
build based on provided blueprints and shop drawings.
Pre-requisite(s): MATH 1025; BLDR 1000; BLDR 1010; BLDR 1020
Co-requisite(s): BLDR 1030
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Where Opportunity Meets Affordability
Why Choose CCRI?
CCRI, one of New England's most affordable colleges, is now completely free for Rhode Island students heading straight from high school thanks to the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship. For those pursuing a bachelor's degree, starting at CCRI can also lead to up to 30% discounted tuition at Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island upon transferring.
CCRI puts your success at the center of all we do. Staff from our Advising and Counseling, The Tutoring Center, Career Services, Benefits Hub, Financial Aid, Veteran Services, and the entire Division of Student Services is here every step of the way to help you reach your academic and career goals.
At One Stop we assist prospective, current, and former students, with a variety of processes including applying to college, checking financial aid status, turning in required documents, registering for classes, paying your bill, and more!
The Advising Center offers a full range of services for CCRI students. These services include academic advising, career, educational and personal counseling services.
Career Services collaborates with and prepares our diverse student population to make well-informed career decisions through professional readiness, exploration, and work-based learning opportunities.
CCRI offers financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to further their education without such support. The Financial Aid Department is here to guide you through the process.
CCRI offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of events, athletic programs, and student clubs to keep you engaged and connected throughout your college experience.
We're excited about your interest in attending the Community College of Rhode Island! Whether you're looking to discover your career path, start or complete your college degree, or take classes to enrich your life, we look forward to having you join our community!
