Construction Trades

Build a Lasting Career

A career in construction lets you build and shape the look of your community. You have a sense of accomplishment as you see your work come to life in homes, offices, and other buildings. You also enjoy job stability and the chance to develop useful skills in a hands-on environment.

" My time at Hawkeye really helped develop my skills and gave me a lot of the tools necessary to be successful in my field. "
  • Jacob Boeshen
  • Sustainable Construction & Design '19

Choose Your Construction Pathway

background
  • Basic jobsite safety
  • Math, measuring, and understanding construction drawings
  • Operating hand and power tools
  • Framing and stair layout
  • Exterior and interior finishing
  • Roofing
  • Materials handling
  • Time management, conflict resolution, communication, and dependability

Explore Introduction to Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship

Working alongside skilled carpenters, you gain hands-on experience and see how they turn blueprints into real structures.

  • Laying Foundations
  • Exterior Construction
  • Roofing
  • Fine Trim Work

Explore the Carpentry Apprenticeship

  • Alternating current & electrical basics
  • Circuits: Basics to advanced
  • Dwelling unit calculations (single & multi-family)
  • Motors & Transformers
  • Exam prep

Explore the Electrical Apprenticeship

Level 1

  • Plumbing Basics
  • Tools & Materials
  • Piping & Systems
  • Safety & Planning

Level 2

  • Math & Geometry
  • Piping Systems
  • Water & Drainage Sizing
  • Safety & Drawing

Level 3

  • Plumbing Systems & Fixtures
  • Blueprints & Plans
  • Technical Skills
  • Workplace Basics

Level 4

  • Plumbing Codes & Standards
  • Systems & Fixtures
  • Specialized Systems
  • Exam & Safety Prep

Explore the Plumbing Apprenticeship

Level 1

  • HVAC Basics
  • Air Distribution
  • Piping Practices
  • Electricity and Math

Level 2

  • AC and Heat Pumps
  • Air Quality and Systems
  • Installation and Maintenance
  • Hydronic and Refrigerants

Level 3

  • HVAC Systems
  • Installation & Troubleshooting
  • Electrical & Safety
  • Codes & Components

Level 4

  • Systems & Components
  • Codes & Standards
  • Installation & Maintenance
  • Exam Prep & Review

Explore the HVAC Apprenticeship

  • Electricity and electronic controls
  • Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
  • Air quality, moisture, and temperature control
  • Sheet metal fabrication and installation
  • LP (Propane) Technology

Explore the HVAC 1 year diploma option

Get hands-on experience in installing floor coverings and build skills that help you land a job as an advanced beginner.

  • Estimating
  • Measuring
  • Floor Prep
  • Vinyl Installation
  • Carpet Installation
  • Ceramic Tile Installation

Explore the Floor Covering Installer Program

Put the theories and concepts you learn into practice with:

  • Foundations
  • concrete work
  • Framing
  • Siding
  • Roofing
  • thermal/moisture protection
  • drywall installation/finishing
  • stair construction
  • Finishing
  • cabinet installation
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Appliances
  • Landscaping

Explore the Sustainable Construction and Design 2 year AAS Degree

1.6M

New Homes Built in the U.S. Annually

8–10K

New Homes Built in Iowa Annually

5%

Annual Growth for Construction Jobs

Construction Overview

You learn from experts who know the job well and can help you with real-world advice. Their connections can also open doors for job opportunities and networking.

Whether you’re learning on the job, or practicing your skills in one of our labs, you graduate with real experience building modern homes.