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Construction Trades
Technical Diploma
Why choose Construction Trades?
- Construction work is about using your skills to solve problems on the job site—no two days are alike.
- Demand is always high for construction workers, and high salaries are common for more advanced skills.
- A great career for those looking to avoid or break out of the office cubicle.
- Ten-credit program designed for completion in one semester.
The construction trades offer incredible opportunity for anyone looking to use their hands, make an impact in their community, and earn a great salary.
The construction trades include many different jobs and career paths, from carpentry, to electrical, to plumbing, to pipe fitting, and much more. What construction workers have in common is the ability to use their hands and skills to help build things people depend on—the buildings we work in, the homes we live and play in, and more. It’s honest, satisfying work that makes the world go around.
Construction workers are skilled by definition, and they are always learning and growing in their abilities. Some work for residential or commercial contractors, while others own their own business.
The construction trades include many different jobs and career paths, from carpentry, to electrical, to plumbing, to pipe fitting, and much more. What construction workers have in common is the ability to use their hands and skills to help build things people depend on—the buildings we work in, the homes we live and play in, and more. It’s honest, satisfying work that makes the world go around.
Construction workers are skilled by definition, and they are always learning and growing in their abilities. Some work for residential or commercial contractors, while others own their own business.
Program Locations
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Delivery:
In Person
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
16-Week Classes or Varying Class Schedule
Length of Program: Short Term
Credits: 10
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Mid-State’s Construction Trades technical diploma provides the foundation knowledge and experience to get started in the construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and pipefitting fields. Graduates understand the various components of building construction systems as well as proper and safe tool use and installation techniques for piping, heating, and electrical systems. Successful completion of the diploma prepares students for an entry-level position in the construction trades industry.
The program includes work in an interactive hands-on lab and a year-round larger lab complete with an "indoor house." Through exposure to multiple fields and industries, graduates are prepared to enter the trade they choose.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate construction safety.
- Use construction tools and equipment.
- Interpret construction documents and blueprints.
- Construct a building structure using wood framing techniques.
- Recognize plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, and procedures, including safety procedures and the maintenance of a clean work area.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $1,875.95
- Books: $502.57
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
- Total Estimated Cost: $2,378.52
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is NOT eligible for Financial Aid. Explore other ways to help pay for college.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
Piping Installation 10483123 34247 1 3 2 304751 Construction Trades| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10601140 | Electricity for the Construction Trades | 2 | |
| 10482107 | Construction Fundamentals | 2 | |
| 10483123 | Piping Installation | 2 | |
| 10601130 | Blueprint Reading for Construction Trades | 2 | |
| 10476171 | Safety for Construction Trades | 1 | |
| 31442320 | Welding Fundamentals 1 | 1 | |
| Term Total | 10 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 10 Credits |
Instructors
MARK HAFERMAN, AD
Mark earned his associate degree in industrial mechanical technologies from Mid-State Technical College. He is also a licensed Journeyman Steamfitter and Journeyman Plumber with EPA 608 certification. His teaching at Mid-State draws on 12 years of experience in HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical field service.
“Being a trades instructor is very fulfilling for me. I love to pour into students, share what I have learned through experience, work alongside them, and help them pursue their career in the trades.”
KARL SCHWINGEL, BS
Karl graduated from Northland College with a bachelor of science in environmental science. His certifications include Solar Thermal Installer by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®) and EPA 608. Karl’s teaching is informed by 25 years of experience installing and servicing renewable energy systems and doing general residential construction as well as 15 years specializing in hydronic heating system design, construction, and service.
“I really enjoy developing in my students the skill to ask the right questions, in the right way. If you learn to ask the right questions, the answers will yield actionable knowledge.”
Careers
- Electrical Contracting Laborer
- Carpentry Contracting Laborer
- Plumbing Contracting Laborer
- Apprenticeship
- General Construction Laborer
- Steamfitting Contracting Laborer
- Construction Wireman
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
Take the Next Step
"Mid-State prepares you by providing hands-on training from passionate instructors, cutting edge facilities, and real-life experiences."
RICHARD VAN DER GEEST
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
