Construction Technology

From carpentry to plumbing, concrete to fine woodworking, from basic to master builder. The OCC Career Advantage Construction Technology program gives you the skills you need to build or advance your career in the construction industry. You can enter the field and start earning as soon as you complete your first certification program and return to OCC for additional certifications to advance in the industry if you’re already working. Carpenters earn a median annual income of $46,000, electricians earn about $54,000 per year and construction managers earn about $92,000. Build your career in construction technology here. Read on to learn how OCC can give you the career advantage.

A sampling of courses for these careers

Building Construction
Blueprint Reading and Drafting
Cabinet Making/Furniture Making & Design

Steel String Guitar Making & Design
Construction Inspection
Plumbing

see course catalog

Two men use table saw to cut wood planks

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Did you know?

More than 5.7 million workers will be needed through 2020 in non-residential construction, yet the expected available construction workforce during this period will only be 4.7 million, resulting in a deficit of at least 1 million workers, according to the Association for Career Technical Education.

Program Details

Complete one of our certificate programs, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in construction technology.

Build upon your skills if you’re already employed in the field. Or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

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In less than 2 years
you can earn:
Certificate of Achievement

Construction Technology

Gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need for an entry-level position in the construction field, in areas such as inspection and as a hands-on skilled tradesperson. View program detail in course catalog.

Residential Construction Development First Award

Prepare for an entry-level position in the construction field in areas such as inspection, management, and as a hands-on skilled tradesperson. Choose a combination of 18 units from a list of diverse courses, ranging from Principles of Construction to Cabinet Making. View program detail in course catalog.

Residential Construction Development Second Award

Prepare for an entry-level position in the construction field in areas such as inspection, management, and as a hands-on skilled tradesperson. Choose a combination of 18 units from a list of diverse courses, ranging from Principles of Construction to Cabinet Making. Units earned for other Residential Construction Development certificates cannot be applied here. View program detail in course catalog.

Residential Construction Development Third Award

Prepare for an entry-level position in the construction field in areas such as inspection, management, and as a hands-on skilled tradesperson. Choose a combination of 18 units from a list of diverse courses, ranging from Principles of Construction to Cabinet Making. Units earned for other Residential Construction Development certificates cannot be applied here. View program detail in course catalog.

Master Construction Specialist

Complete a minimum of 54 semester units to earn this certificate, signifying you have a very broad knowledge in several of the construction trades and management disciplines. Upon completing this program, your name will be displayed on a perpetual “Award of Excellence” listing in the Construction Department. View program detail in course catalog.

Build on your certificate
of achievement with a:
Certificate of Specialization

Carpentry

Prepare for an entry-level position in the maintenance and construction fields. Learn how to install windows and doors in buildings, as well as their interior and exterior finishes. View program detail in course catalog.

Concrete and Masonry

Prepare for an entry-level position in the construction field with a specialization in concrete and masonry. View program detail in course catalog.

Fine Woodworking

Prepare for a career as a professional woodworker in the local construction industry, including a job as a maker, designer, repair staff or a sales professional. Learn cabinet and furniture making, guitar making and design, sculpture, interior design and more. View program detail in course catalog.

Plumbing

Prepare for an entry-level position in the construction field with a specialization in plumbing. View program detail in course catalog.

Residential Electrical

Prepare for an entry-level position in residential electrical-related trades. Learn how to wire electrical systems, understand code requirements and interpret electrical blueprints. View program detail in course catalog.

Or earn your
associate degree
in under 4 years

Construction Technology

Complete the Construction Technology Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. You will be prepared for an entry-level position in the construction field, in areas such as inspection and as a hands-on skilled tradesperson. View program detail in course catalog.

Residential Construction Development First Award

Complete the Residential Construction Development First Award Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. You will be prepared for an entry-level position in the construction field in areas such as inspection, management and as a hands-on skilled tradesperson. View program detail in course catalog.

Master Construction Specialist

Complete the Master Construction Specialist Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. Complete a minimum of 54 semester units to earn this certificate, signifying you have a very broad knowledge in several of the construction trades and management disciplines. View program detail in course catalog.

Fine Woodworking

Complete the Fine Woodworking Certificate of Specialization and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. Prepare for a career as a professional woodworker in the local construction industry, including a job as a maker, designer, repair staff or a sales professional. Learn cabinet and furniture making, guitar making and design, sculpture, interior design and more. View program detail in course catalog.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I enroll and register for classes?

To enroll in a Career Advantage program, you must first apply for admission to Orange Coast College. To apply, go to the Admissions Application Information webpage and review the information and requirements for admission. A link at the bottom of that page will take you to the CCCApply website, where you will be prompted to create an account so you can begin the application process.

How much does it cost?

Classes cost $46 per unit for residents of California. Classes vary in their unit value, but an average 3-unit class costs $138. There are additional fees required to register and additional costs associated with each program. Click here to view the estimated total costs of the program in this career cluster.

How long does it take?

View this chart for the length of the core program.

Are classes offered online, evenings and weekends?

This program offers online, evening and weekend courses. For details about offerings in this program, speak to a counselor or consult the class schedule. The class schedule tool searches through all Orange Coast College course offerings and includes a filter for online classes.

How can I talk with a counselor?

You can make an appointment in person, online or by phone. Click here for more information about Counseling Services and how to make an appointment.

I have more questions. Where can I get more information?

For general questions about enrollment, availability of classes and other services for prospective and current OCC students, call The Answer Center at 714-432-5772. For answers to specific questions you can speak to a counselor or to the faculty member listed on this program page.

Two men hammer together the frame of a house

Man and woman sand wooden guitar while wearing safety glasses

Three concrete workers create a design out of concrete and stone

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Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.