About the Construction Trades Green Technology Programs

Learn how to build a house from the ground up while also gaining relevant business skills and hands-on experience.

If you enjoy the challenge of construction projects and the satisfaction of seeing a project through to completion, the construction trades program will provide you the instruction you need to build your construction know-how as well as the space to practice your skills.

• About the Construction Trades Green Technology Programs

  The emphasis of the construction program is hands-on learning. You’ll learn hands-on from day one. Your instructors are construction professionals with years of experience working in the construction industry. 

  You’ll begin the program by getting a solid introduction into the construction field with courses that will teach you the basics about safety, construction tools, construction materials, foundations, framing, roofing, construction math, print reading, and more.

  Next, you will build on this knowledge with more in-depth studies, learning the logistics of laying foundations while considering soil types, building flooring systems and stairways, and installing interior and exterior finishes such as drywall, paint, windows and doors, siding, floor coverings, and cabinetry.

  You’ll round out your skills with solar technology and green building, Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CAD), designing and planning, and energy use and conservation analysis. By the end of the program, you’ll understand how to build a house from the ground up.

  You will also learn the business aspects of the construction industry. You’ll learn how to prepare a bid, estimate and control costs, schedule projects, procure materials, maintain records, manage a crew, and maintain REScheck, Michigan Unified Energy Code, and International Energy Conservation Code compliance. Courses in English, math, technical writing, and public speaking will help you to become a well-rounded construction professional.

  Over the course of the program you will engage in the practical application of theory in real-world situations. The required internship (many of which are paid) will give you resume-worthy experience and lay a solid foundation for your career after graduation.

  With a construction trades degree, you can fulfill your goals of working for a contractor, running your own construction company, or, with additional schooling, managing commercial construction projects.

• What You’ll Learn

  SMC offers both an Associate in Applied Science and a certificate in Construction Trades Green Technology. The program is built in two phases: certificate phase and associate degree phase.

  The certificate phase is the “hands-on” phase in which you will spend one year learning construction techniques and code issues and applying your skills in construction. You may choose to end your education after attaining the certificate, at which point you will be qualified for work as a general construction worker.

  Phase two of the program is the Associate in Applied Science in Construction Trades Green Technology. During this phase, you’ll learn the science behind construction techniques and the business aspects of contracting. The associate degree qualifies you for jobs as a contractor, crew leader, or construction worker.

  View the curriculum guide for the Associate in Applied Science in Construction Trades Green Technology.

  View the curriculum guide for the Certificate in Construction Trades Green Technology.

• What Can I Do With a Construction Trades Green Technology Degree?

  Graduates of this program will be able to build, inspect, repair, and weatherize structures. They will be prepared for a variety of positions in the construction industry.

  Careers and Salaries

  Career Option	Salary
  Carpenter:	$56,350
  Construction and Building Inspector:	$67,700
  Construction Equipment Operator:	$55,270
  Construction Laborer:	$44,310
  Construction Manager:	$104,900
  Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer:	$57,010

  2023 median pay. Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics.