Skilled Trades & Construction

Course Description

ETS2051 – Skilled Trades & Construction is a 2-credit-hour sophomore-level survey course within the Engineering Technologies: Specialty Engineering Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course introduces students to the fundamental principles, practices, materials, and tools used across the major construction and skilled trades disciplines. Students gain a broad overview of residential and light commercial construction processes, trade-specific techniques, workplace safety standards, blueprint interpretation, and the regulatory environment governing construction work in Florida. The course combines lecture with laboratory or hands-on demonstration components to prepare students for entry-level employment or further specialized study in a skilled trade or construction-related program.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and safely use hand tools, power tools, and construction equipment common to the skilled trades.
• Demonstrate knowledge of occupational safety and health (OSHA) regulations, personal protective equipment (PPE), and jobsite hazard recognition.
• Read and interpret basic construction blueprints, plans, and technical drawings, including symbols, scales, and dimensions.
• Describe the stages of residential and light commercial construction, from site preparation through finish work.
• Identify the foundational principles and materials associated with the primary skilled trades: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
• Explain applicable Florida building codes, permitting processes, and inspection requirements.
• Apply basic construction math, including measurement, estimation, and material quantity calculations.
• Identify the roles, responsibilities, and career pathways within the construction and skilled trades industries.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be able to:

• Perform basic masonry, concrete, or framing tasks under supervision.
• Demonstrate entry-level welding or metal fabrication skills.
• Identify green building practices and energy efficiency standards relevant to Florida construction.
• Explain the Florida contractor licensing process through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• Use digital tools or software for basic construction estimating or project scheduling.
• Describe apprenticeship pathways available through trade unions and employers in Florida.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to the Skilled Trades Industry – Overview of construction and trade sectors, workforce demand in Florida, career pathways, and professional organizations.
• Jobsite Safety & OSHA Standards – OSHA 10 concepts, fall protection, electrical safety, hazard communication (HazCom/GHS), PPE selection and use.
• Tools & Equipment – Identification, safe operation, and maintenance of hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary equipment used across trades.
• Blueprint Reading & Technical Drawings – Plan views, elevation views, section views, symbols, scales, and drawing conventions for construction documents.
• Construction Math & Measurement – Linear, area, and volume measurements; unit conversions; material estimation and take-offs.
• Building Materials & Fasteners – Properties and applications of lumber, engineered wood, concrete, masonry, metals, and fastening systems.
• Carpentry & Structural Framing – Floor systems, wall framing, roof systems, doors and windows; residential construction sequence.
• Introduction to Electrical Systems – Basic electrical theory, residential wiring methods, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and panel fundamentals.
• Introduction to Plumbing Systems – Supply and drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems, pipe materials, fixtures, and Florida plumbing code basics.
• Introduction to HVAC Systems – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning fundamentals; equipment types; refrigeration cycle overview; Florida climate considerations.
• Florida Building Codes & Permitting – Florida Building Code (FBC) structure, permit application and inspection processes, and code enforcement roles.

Optional Topics

• Masonry & Concrete Work – Block laying, mortar mixing, concrete forming, curing, and finishing techniques.
• Introduction to Welding – Welding safety, MIG/TIG/SMAW process overview, and basic joint preparation.
• Green Building & Sustainability – Energy-efficient construction practices, ENERGY STAR standards, Florida Green Building Coalition standards.
• Interior Finish Work – Drywall installation, insulation, flooring, cabinetry, and painting fundamentals.
• Construction Estimating & Project Planning – Basic cost estimation, scheduling, and project management concepts for small construction projects.
• Contractor Licensing in Florida – DBPR licensing categories (general, building, specialty), experience requirements, and examination pathways.
• Apprenticeship & Workforce Development – Florida-registered apprenticeship programs, union and non-union trade training pathways, and ApprenticeshipUSA resources.

Resources & Tools

• Florida Building Code (FBC) – Current edition, available through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Outreach – Student workbook and online modules (OSHA.gov).
• National Electrical Code (NEC) – NFPA 70, current edition (reference text).
• Carpentry & Construction textbooks – e.g., Carpentry by Leonard Koel (American Technical Publishers) or equivalent open/institutional texts.
• Blueprint reading practice sets – Residential and light commercial plan sets provided by instructor.
• Hand tools and power tools – Lab kit or institutional tool room (per institution policy).
• Digital resources – Florida DBPR Contractor Licensing portal; ApprenticeshipUSA.gov; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETS2051 supports entry into a range of construction and skilled trades careers in Florida's growing building industry. Graduates may pursue:

• Carpenter – Residential and commercial framing, finish carpentry, and cabinetry.
• Electrician's Helper / Apprentice Electrician – Entry-level wiring and installation under a licensed electrician.
• Plumber's Helper / Apprentice Plumber – Residential and commercial plumbing installation and repair.
• HVAC Installer / Service Technician Trainee – Equipment installation, ductwork, and refrigeration systems.
• Construction Laborer or Trades Helper – General jobsite support across multiple trade disciplines.
• Masonry Worker – Block, brick, and concrete construction.
• Building Inspector (pathway) – Further education and certification through ICC or Florida DBPR.

This course also serves as a foundation for certificate and Associate in Science (A.S.) degree programs in Construction Management, Building Construction Technology, HVAC, Electrical Technology, and Plumbing Technology at Florida colleges.

Special Information

Licensing & Certification Preparation

Florida regulates skilled trades contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Specialty contractor licenses are available for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, building, and solar trades, among others. This course introduces the regulatory framework students will need for eventual licensure. Students are encouraged to pursue the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry credential, which may be completed concurrently with or following this course and is widely recognized by Florida employers.

Workforce Context

Florida's construction and extraction sector is among the fastest-growing in the state, with strong regional demand in Central Florida (carpentry, electrical, HVAC), South Florida (HVAC, marine mechanics, CNC), and North Florida (welding, logistics). Students completing this course are positioned to enter a labor market where skilled trades consistently rank among the most difficult positions for employers to fill.