Trailblazer offers students a wide variety of knowledge and hands-on skills to help educate them for their future career in construction technology. Mr. Eddie Durr is a licensed contractor, who has 43 years of construction and carpentry experience to guide Trailblazer students in hands-on learning. Approximately 40 students are enrolled in the program. Whether students plan to work in a local construction company, commercial construction company, architect or maintain and repair their personal home, these courses and certifications are beneficial.
CAREER PATHWAYS:
Residential Carpenter’s Assistant
This pathway prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. Includes instruction in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.
Commercial Skilled Trades TRACK
The Commercial Skilled Trades TRACK is designed as a pre-apprenticeship pathway for students to have the opportunity to enter a Registered Apprenticeship training program upon graduation. This Skilled Trades TRACK does not require an employer partner. Students must successfully complete the four course sequence, eight safety modules and an end of program assessment. Upon conclusion, the instructor will fill out a completion form and submit to OCTE. After being processed, the student will receive a pre-apprenticeship industry certification issued by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet. This certification will be recognized by participating partners for an interview and possible credit upon placement. Credit is at the discretion of the training organization.
Carpentry TRACK
The Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK) youth pre-apprenticeship program is a partnership between the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet to provide secondary students with career pathway opportunities into employers who offer Registered Apprenticeship programs. Employers are able to tailor the program for their specific needs and select the Career and Technical Education courses and students for their apprenticeship pathway. Employers benefit by gaining future employees that have a good foundation and an interest in that occupation. Additionally, it enables students to receive a nationally recognized credential. Successful completion is determined by the employer, and the student will be awarded an industry certification through The Kentucky Labor Cabinet, and all on-the-job hours worked will be counted towards the registered apprenticeship.
Construction Architectural Engineering (HYBRID with Engineering)
This pathway provides the opportunity to blend Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses with Engineering courses to help students apply technical skills along with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to solve real-world problems. This pathway prepares individuals to apply engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. Includes instruction in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, report preparation, basic construction and structural design, architectural rendering, computer-aided drafting (CAD), layout and designs, architectural blueprint interpretation, building materials, and basic structural wiring diagramming.
Structural Engineering (HYBRID with Engineering)
This pathway provides the opportunity to blend Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses with Engineering courses to help students apply technical skills along with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to solve real-world problems. This pathway prepares individuals to apply engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. Includes instruction in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, report preparation, basic construction and structural design, architectural rendering, architectural-aided drafting (CAD), layout and designs, architectural blueprint interpretation, building materials, and basic structural wiring diagramming.
COURSES OFFERED:
Introduction to Construction Technology (BCTC College Credit Option)
Floor and Wall Framing (BCTC College Credit Option)
Ceiling and Roof Framing
Exterior and Interior Finish
Site Layout and Foundations
Cabinet Construction and Installation
Construction Blueprint
Basic Blueprint
TRACK Apprenticeships
COLLEGE CREDIT:
Introduction to Construction Technology (3 credit hours + lab (articulated credit))
Floor and Wall Framing and Lab (3 credit hours + lab (articulated credit))
SKILLS THAT STUDENTS LEARN:
Safety
Hand Tools and Power Tools
Construction Math
How to Read a Blueprint
Framing
Finish
Cabinet Construction
CERTIFICATIONS THAT CAN BE OBTAINED:
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), a nationally recognized certification
TRACK Construction
COLLEGE CREDIT:
Construction Blueprint
Basic Blueprint
WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
The senior students have work-based learning opportunities in various construction settings in the area. They use skills that they have learned in the classroom, as well as, learn new things in the industrial setting. Some students even have the opportunity to earn money while working during school hours.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION:
Skills USA
https://education.ky.gov/CTE/stuorg/Pages/SkillsUSA.aspx