Whether becoming an electrician, plumber, carpenter, contractor, or any professional in the industry of construction, a key required skill is the ability to read and understand construction drawings, plans, and specifications.

A typical set of construction drawings

We often associate the construction industry as “building houses”. The industry is much broader than such simple perceptions. Commercial Buildings such as restaurants require a laundry list of subcontractors such as low voltage electricians, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, fire sprinkler installers, concrete finishers, framers, drywall installers and finishers, painters, tile installers, finish carpenters, cleaners, fixture installers, gas specialists, roofers, and the list goes on. In Construction Technology at iTECH our goal is to teach the fundamentals of the construction industry as a stepping stone for students to leap out into one of the many different exciting careers that make up that industry.










Contemporary Restaurant

Breaking away from traditional forms of construction.

As technology and building materials change so do the methods of today’s construction. Light Gauge metal studs are one building material being used more often now as an alternative to traditional wood framing. Metal framing has been used for years in commercial construction but now is being found more and more in residential construction from wall studs, to roof trusses, and ceilings.











Metal Stud Framing in a Commercial Building

Construction Technology at iTECH encompasses all the basics associated with the construction industry. We teach and guide our students into all the aspects of the construction industry. We start off with the CORE program which involves the basics such as hand tools, power tools, reading construction drawings, basic communication skills, rigging, and employability skills. Next we move onto Construction Technology courses. Here we branch off into different specialty modules such as masonry, electric, plumbing, site layout, carpentry, roofing, and more. The goal is to get each student certified by NCCER in CORE and then add each of the modules onto their certification card. NCCER is recognized through out the United States. Employers can access the web site and verify through the student’s certification card and number their relevant experience and module achievement. This helps each student gain employment by demonstrating proof of their applicable skills.

A High Rise Building Under Construction.

Finish Carpentry

One aspect of carpentry is finish carpentry. This includes the art of installing crown molding, base molding, casing, stair construction, cabinets, and casework.

Molding being applied to a ceiling.

Students work in both the shop and the classroom (lab). Students are required to complete task set out by guidelines set by the NCCER. They include everything from safety, hand tools, power tools, and communication to the individual trades in advanced construction including carpentry, roofing, electrical, and plumbing.


Photo coming soon.



Students working in the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: “With the status of the local economy being so dismal and the construction industry being hit worst, why would anyone pursue a career in construction?”

A- “Although times are tough in just about every profession, there is always going to be a need for highly specialized and trained individuals in the construction industry. Keep in mind that the number of baby boomers retiring and leaving the work force will have a dramatic effect on the labor pool of qualified professionals in the very near future. This will create a greater demand. Another factor specific to Southwest Florida is the location. People continue to want to live, move, work, and retire here. The area provides convenient access to shopping, services, and numerous outdoor activities year round.”

Q- “Construction is a very broad based profession with so many specialties. I am interested in finish carpentry and painting. Can you teach me the skills and provide me the training necessary for those professions?”

A- “Absolutely, the state’s guidelines have the construction technology program set up with minimum requirements for receiving certification through the NCCER. The goal is to spend the first half of the year focusing on achieving those guidelines. The second half of the year is to provide you (the student) with lesson plans and training specifically targeting your personal career goals and objectives relevant to that particular area of the construction field.”

Q- “Does the entire course involve just reading and doing assignments in the books?”

A- “No, the program includes a variety of training, assignments, and exercises. While you will have required chapters to complete in the books, there are also activities done on the computer and numerous projects and tasks to be performed in the shop working with construction tools and materials.”