This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Business and Technology
Dean
Amy Schulz
Associate Deans
Jill Alcorn, Darlene Jackson
Location
Division Office
B 3, Rocklin Campus

Overview

Building Industries curriculum includes job safety, construction skills, work ethics, and hands-on laboratory courses to provide trade related skills such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and photovoltaics. The program provides foundational training for building industries and construction management programs as well as training for entry-level employment in construction fields.

Faculty

Louie Garcia

Assistant Professor, Building Industries

B.S., University of Phoenix
M.B.A., University of Phoenix

Building Industries Advisory Committee

  • Jeff Bailey, Instructor, Roseville High School
  • Phil Barnes, Manager, Energy Home Performance, Rocklin
  • Jim Bayless, Treasure Homes
  • Jon Bertolino, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
  • Michelle Bertolino, Roseville Electric
  • Jedediah Biagi, Plan It Solar
  • Anna Bousouris, Sierra Solar
  • Julia Burrows, Valley Vision
  • Peter Davis, ATTEI
  • Michael Dela Pena, Greentern
  • Steve Dolan, Instructor, Roseville High School
  • Brett Dotson, SMA-America
  • Cheryl Gibson, President, Von-Jac Development, Inc.; Board Member, Placer County Contractors Association, Auburn
  • Jim Gragg, SOLAReCITY Electric
  • John Hill, Sierra Solar
  • Brian Hurd, Hands On Solar
  • Darrell Johnson, Pacific Gas and Electric
  • Devan Johnson, KW Engineering
  • Sue Kateley, CalSEIA
  • Rick Larkey, Director, Workforce Development, North State Building Industry Association, Roseville
  • Richard Lindstadt, Foresthill High School
  • Sue Lunsford, Foresthill High School
  • Barbie Lussier-Davis, Owner, Mission West Builders, Cameron Park
  • Gil Mathew, Sierra Solar
  • Derek Ogden, City of Roseville
  • John Orr, Program Consultant, North State Building Industry Association, Roseville
  • Steve Paris, Instructor, Del Oro High School, Loomis
  • Patrick Remington, Owner, Remington Construction, Auburn
  • Jonathan Schwartz, Instructor, Colfax High School
  • David Schweickert, Co-owner, Capital City Solar, Roseville
  • Erika Schweickert, Co-owner, Capital City Solar, Roseville
  • Terry Seabury, Executive Director and CEO, Goweka Solutions, Sacramento
  • Terri Shirhall, City of Roseville
  • Sam Vanderhoof, Pacific Renewables Group
  • Martin Webb, Plan It Solar
  • David Weld, Instructor, Oakmont High School, Roseville
  • Susan Wheeler, Coordinator, Education Relations, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
  • Dan Zeisler, Principal, Chicago Park

Degrees/Certificates

Associate Degrees
Construction Management

Skills Certificates
Construction Basics

Noncredit Certificates
Construction Fundamentals
Energy Surveying and Lighting Retrofits

Construction Management

AS Degree

The curriculum in Construction Management focuses on providing a broad base of knowledge and skills targeted toward the management of construction operations.  The objective of the degree is to provide a foundation for continued study in construction management at a four-year college or university or for employment in the construction industry.  The program is oriented toward the practical problems of the construction industry and the curriculum emphasizes subject areas that provide a basis for employment in the industry including business, mathematics and foundational construction courses.  Students completing the Construction Management program will find a wide variety of career choices including estimator, construction manager, construction owner, and project manager. For the degree, students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0, and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Required Courses
BI 0001OSHA Construction Safety Training1
BI 0005Introduction to the Built Environment3
BI 0020Foundations and Framing3
BI 0022Introduction to Energy Efficiency Construction3
BUS 0201Financial Accounting I3
BUS 0202Financial Accounting II3
BUS 0203Managerial Accounting3
ECON 0001APrinciples of Macroeconomics3
ECON 0001BPrinciples of Microeconomics3
MATH 0016ACalculus for Social and Life Sciences4
or MATH 0030 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
PHYS 0105General Physics I4
PHYS 0105LGeneral Physics I Laboratory1
Total Units34

Construction Basics

Skills Certificate

The Construction Basics Skills Certificate curriculum prepares students to work safely for small to large home builders in a labor role. This skills certificate provides a foundation for students to help employers directly build residential homes. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

BI 0001OSHA Construction Safety Training1
BI 0003Introduction to Construction and CNC Woodworking3
BI 0005Introduction to the Built Environment3
Total Units7

Construction Fundamentals

Noncredit Certificate of Completion

The Construction Fundamentals certificate of completion provides the essential skills and workforce preparation needed for entry level careers in the building trades and construction industry.  Students will gain knowledge and skills interpreting technical trade calculations, taking accurate measurements, blueprint reading, handling equipment and materials, basic building and installation methods and practicing safety construction techniques according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Required Courses:
BI 0805Introduction to Industry and Occupational Safety for the Building Trade0
BI 0806Introduction to Building Trades and Tools0
BI 0807Basic Material Handling and Building0
Total Units0

Energy Surveying and Lighting Retrofits

Noncredit Certificate of Completion

The Construction and Energy Technology noncredit Certificate of Completion prepares students to work for businesses in residential and commercial energy auditing, electrical wiring and commercial lighting retrofit trade industries.

Required Courses
BI 0800Introduction to Energy Surveying0
BI 0801Basic Electricity and Wiring Fundamentals0
BI 0802Introduction to Lighting Retrofits0
Total Units0

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

BI 0001. OSHA Construction Safety Training

Unit: 1
Formerly known as CET 1
Hours: 18 hours
Covers a variety of construction safety and health hazards workers may encounter. Provides safety information to construction workers about employee and employer rights and responsibilities. Emphasizes identification, avoidance, abatement, control, and prevention of job-related hazards on construction sites. This course is taught by authorized industry outreach trainers, and upon successful completion, students will receive the OSHA 10 Hour card. (not transferable)

BI 0002. OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Training

Units: 2
Hours: 36 lecture
Covers specific OSHA requirements as they apply to the construction industry and teaches safety awareness to help recognize and reduce the risks of job site hazards. This course is an orientation and covers safety and health hazards workers may face on construction work sites with emphasis on hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention and is intended for supervisors or workers who have some safety responsibility. Upon successful completion, 30 hour OSHA card issued by instructor. (not transferable)

BI 0003. Introduction to Construction and CNC Woodworking

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 3
Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in BI 1
Hours: 108 (36 lecture, 72 laboratory)
Designed to teach the skills required to be successful in the construction and woodworking industries. Topics include fundamentals of woodworking, safe operation of hand tools, introduction to wood CNC manufacturing, project drawings, and environmentally sound design and construction techniques. Hands-on experience with construction and woodworking tools and materials based on assigned student project(s). (not transferable)

BI 0005. Introduction to the Built Environment

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 5
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the building industry: trends, organizations, construction processes, contracting laws, regulations, business aspects and career pathways. (CSU)

BI 0007. Building with Green Construction Materials

Units: 4
Formerly known as CET 7
Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in BI 1
Hours: 180 (18 lecture, 162 laboratory)
Project-based study of the performance characteristics of building materials using sustainable construction techniques and materials. Includes the basic properties and installation techniques of metals, aggregates, cement products, asphalt products and wood. Safe handling of construction materials and tools. (CSU)

BI 0020. Foundations and Framing

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 20
Hours: 108 (36 lecture, 72 laboratory)
Fundamentals of residential foundation and floor system techniques involving layout and construction to include: establishing elevations, site preparation, types of foundation forms, rebar and bolt installation, concrete placement techniques, various types of floor systems, and code requirements specific to the above. Major lab project: construction of a foundation and floor system. Includes use and practices of materials and codes related to California Green Technology and "Net Zero Energy" policies. (CSU)

BI 0022. Introduction to Energy Efficiency Construction

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 22
Hours: 108 (36 lecture, 72 laboratory)
Fundamentals of residential framing both conventional and green energy efficient techniques involving layout and construction to include: exterior and interior walls, ceilings, roof systems, stair designs and installation. Includes use and practices of materials and codes related to California Green Technology and "Net Zero Energy" policies. (CSU)

BI 0024. Fundamentals of Construction Documents and Estimating

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 24
Hours: 54 lecture
Establishes a vocabulary and understanding of construction related documents including the symbols and detail views of building plans. Cost estimating to include material and labor cost calculations, specifications, problem solving, and bid preparations. (CSU)

BI 0026. Residential House Wiring and Codes

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 26
Hours: 108 (36 lecture, 72 laboratory)
Instruction basic to the electrical wiring trade. Inside wiring as applied to residential structures. Electrical service requirements for photovoltaic systems. Use of tools and materials of the trade. Review of the National Electrical Code and the applications and California Electrical Code updates due to California Green Technology and "Net Zero Energy" policies. (CSU)

BI 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Formerly known as CET 28
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)

BI 0030. Finish Carpentry

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 30
Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in BI 3
Hours: 108 (36 lecture, 72 laboratory)
Fundamentals of woodworking hand tools, power hand tools and woodworking machinery to safely develop knowledge and skills leading to finish trim carpentry. Emphasis on residential construction finish carpentry standards, details, nomenclature, trims, and methods of setting interior and exterior doors, window jamb and trims, closet packs, cabinet installs, wainscoting, stair trim and railings, base and ceiling trims and finished flooring applications. (not transferable)

BI 0032. Residential Building Codes

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 32
Hours: 54 lecture
Instruction in building codes for light frame one- or two-story dwellings related to local jurisdictions and the State of California. Application of codes to existing buildings with a study of regulations and abatement procedures for standard frame and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) green technology buildings. Includes codes related to California Green Technology and "Net Zero Energy" policies. (not transferable)

BI 0034. Plumbing Installation and Design

Units: 3
Formerly known as CET 34
Hours: 108 (36 lecture, 72 laboratory)
Planning, installing, and maintaining simple waste, water and gas plumbing systems in accordance with good practice and in conformity to local codes and ordinances. Overview of new plumbing techniques. Includes use of materials and codes related to California Green Technology and "Net Zero Energy" policies. (CSU)

BI 0095. Internship in Building Industries

Units: 0.5-4
Formerly known as CET 95
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU)

BI 0800. Introduction to Energy Surveying

Units: 0
Formerly known as CET 800
Prerequisite: Completion of BI 1 with grade of "C" or better, or equivalent as determined by the program chair
Hours: 40 (24 lecture, 16 laboratory)
Competency-based course of instruction designed to align with the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Level-1 energy auditing standards. Provides hands-on experience in residential and commercial energy auditing. Emphasis on principles and sources of energy, detailed facilities evaluation techniques, data collection for energy auditing, establishing baselines, and conducting accurate inventories. Includes workplace safety policies and practices to comply with OSHA guidelines. Students required to secure personal protective equipment as of first class session. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

BI 0801. Basic Electricity and Wiring Fundamentals

Units: 0
Formerly known as CET 801
Prerequisite: Completion of BI 800 with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 40 (20 lecture, 20 laboratory)
This comprehensive introduction to electrical wiring provides a well-rounded understanding of the fundamentals of basic electricity, electrical safety, electrical circuitry, and the processes and procedures of the electrical wiring trades. Includes relevant electrical codes. Students required to secure personal protective equipment as of first class session. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

BI 0802. Introduction to Lighting Retrofits

Units: 0
Formerly known as CET 802
Prerequisite: Completion of BI 801 with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 40 (20 lecture, 20 laboratory)
Provides well-rounded competency-based understanding of lighting retrofit trade fundamentals through hands-on experience in commercial retrofit procedures and skills. Includes electrical safety, policies, and practices as relate to retrofit work. Students required to secure personal protective equipment as of first class session. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

BI 0804. Rapid Prototyping for Product Design

Units: 0
Formerly known as CET 804
Hours: 18 (9 lecture, 9 laboratory)
Hands-on exposure to processes used to fabricate prototypes. An introduction to tools and technologies for prototyping, including design for manufacture. Example products show the process from idea to market including the series of prototypes that helped get the product to successful sales. Course materials cover safe hand tool use, power woodworking hand tools, wood shop tools, laser cutting, and CNC routers. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

BI 0805. Introduction to Industry and Occupational Safety for the Building Trade

Units: 0
Formerly known as CET 805
Hours: 28 (24 lecture, 4 laboratory)
Provides an introduction to the building trades as an occupation. Covers a variety of construction safety and health hazards workers may encounter. Provides safety information to construction workers about employee and employer rights and responsibilities. Emphasizes identification, avoidance, abatement, control, and prevention of job-related hazards on construction sites. Upon successful completion, 10 hour OSHA card issued by instructor. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

BI 0806. Introduction to Building Trades and Tools

Units: 0
Formerly known as CET 806
Prerequisite: Completion of BI 805 with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 48 (27 lecture, 21 laboratory)
Provides an overview of the local/regional building trade industry. Introduces students to the proper and safe operation of hand and power tools used in construction. Covers the fundamentals of construction math, measurements and blueprints. Emphasizes the employability skills such as time management, communication and proper attire for success in the construction industry. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

BI 0807. Basic Material Handling and Building

Units: 0
Formerly known as CET 807
Prerequisite: Completion of BI 806 with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 53 (36 lecture, 17 laboratory)
Provides an overview of building materials and techniques for construction. Introduces students to basic trades including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Covers the fundamentals of framing, flooring, and tiling. Explains relevant building codes. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the construction and energy industries and identify career pathways and opportunities.
  • Identify code compliant construction.
  • Demonstrate safety compliance in the construction and energy industries.
  • Utilize fundamental building principles to lay out and construct structures and systems.
  • Explain the principles of Green Building and prescribe building solutions utilizing emerging technology.