Construction Technology
El Camino’s construction technology degree and certificate programs set you on track to work in various aspects of construction, including carpentry, cabinetmaking, furniture making, contracting, and a variety of sub-crafts. Explore our accessible, affordable paths to a rewarding, in-demand career in residential building.
$2,208
Approximate cost for an El Camino College construction technology degree
10.4%
Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow 10.4% nationwide from 2016 to 2026
$66K
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $30,000 to $123,000 with an average salary of $66,000
Our Construction Technology Associate in Science (AS) degree typically takes two years. Or, complete a certificate in less than six months and get ready to work right away.
Hands-on construction technology education at El Camino will challenge you to be your best. We’ll be here to help.
Choose a Degree Designed to Prepare You for a Job
Most El Camino construction technology students want to start their careers as soon as possible. We provide the training and skills you need to be successful.
Degrees & Certificates
This degree prepares you for employment in carpentry, cabinetmaking, furniture making, any number of sub-crafts, and contracting. Customize your education and choose the pathway that best suits your interests.
- Choose from two degree options:
- Cabinet and Fine Woodworking
- Construction Technology
- Practice basic residential construction techniques.
- Learn to analyze, evaluate, and provide solutions for a variety of job site situations.
- Interpret blueprints, estimate materials, lay out plans, and construct a basic residential structure in accordance with Uniform Building Code (UBC) requirements.
- Qualify to receive a maximum of two years credit toward the California State Contractor’s License for the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry examination.
This certificate prepares you for employment in carpentry, cabinetmaking, furniture making, any number of sub-crafts, and contracting.
- Practice construction skills and learn to safely use basic tools.
- Analyze, evaluate, and provide solutions for a variety of job site situations.
- Follow Uniform Building Code (UBC) requirements to interpret blueprints, estimate materials, and construct a basic residential structure.
- Take classes such as electrical wiring, plumbing, cabinet making, and more.
- Qualify to receive a maximum of two years credit toward the California State Contractor’s License for the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry examination.
This certificate prepares you for employment in carpentry, homebuilding, or on a construction job site.
- Learn building fundamentals and how to safely use basic tools.
- Take classes in electrical wiring, plumbing, cabinet making, and more.
- Understand building codes, construction mathematics, rough framing, and technical information needed for residential construction.
- Earn a certificate in less than six months.
This certificate prepares you for employment in home construction, with a specific focus on installing electricity in residential projects.
- Learn the fundamentals of the building trades.
- Practice residential electrical wiring in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC).
- Focus on print reading, developing wiring diagrams, wiring, grounding and the placement of lights, switches, receptacles, and fixtures.
- Earn a certificate in less than six months.
This certificate prepares you for employment in home construction, with a specific focus on installing plumbing in residential projects.
- Learn the fundamentals of the building trades.
- Practice the layout and fabrication techniques needed to install a water and waste plumbing system for a home.
- Focus on diagnosing, troubleshooting, and clearing of stoppages in a plumbing system.
- Earn a certificate in less than six months.
This certificate prepares you for employment in home construction, with a specific focus on residential remodeling projects.
- Learn the fundamentals of the building trades, specifically residential remodeling, and additions.
- Practice basic skills such as construction planning and design, the permit process, blueprint reading, and building codes.
- Earn a certificate in less than six months.
This certificate prepares you for employment making cabinets and completing fine woodworking projects.
- Learn the fundamentals of cabinetry.
- Develop your skills and complete more advanced projects like specialty cabinets such as built in-ovens, appliance garages, pantries, and wine storage.
- Explore construction techniques needed to install residential cabinets and the multiple support systems used to attach wall or ceiling-mounted cabinets.
- Complete the certificate and qualify to receive a maximum of two years credit toward the California State Contractor’s License for the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry examination.
This certificate prepares you for employment making furniture, cabinets, and other woodworking projects.
- Learn the fundamentals of woodworking.
- Develop advanced problem-solving skills in the design and creation of furniture and cabinetry.
- Create your own original plans in furniture making and complete all steps in the process: drawing/designing, bill of material (BOM), plan of procedure, and wood and fastener selection.
- Complete the certificate and qualify to receive a maximum of two years credit toward the California State Contractor’s License for the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry examination.
This certificate prepares you for employment making furniture, both following plans or designing your own custom pieces.
- Practice in a hands-on woodworking laboratory environment.
- Learn to interpret commercial plans, make modifications, develop original plans, and even build without plans.
- Develop advanced problem-solving skills while designing and creating furniture pieces.
- Create your own original plans in furniture making and complete all steps in the process: drawing/designing, bill of material (BOM), plan of procedure, and wood and fastener selection.
- Complete the certificate and qualify to receive a maximum of two years credit toward the California State Contractor’s License for the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry examination.
Cabinet Making and Fine Woodworking
Construction Technology's Cabinet and Fine Woodworking program teaches the properties of wood and wood products, installation of house cabinets, handmade fabrication of furniture, and other specialty items. Courses are taught by professionals who are experts in their field. Students will acquire proficiency in construction techniques using hand tools, power tools and basic machine operations.
The application and installation of European Style hardware are emphasized using hinge mortising line boring machines, designing and fabrication of cabinets using jigs and fixtures are taught through out the laboratory. Students will develop advanced skill levels while meeting the two year experience requirement for the California State Contractor's License Board.
With additional courses students can create technical drawings using both drafting instruments and computer-aided drafting systems, identify commonly used lines, symbols, exposure to the Uniform building Code and to understand city zoning ordinances and codes, Learn Financial planning, budget, record keeping, and taxes. Introduction to the fundamentals of residential remodeling and additions, planning and design, permit process, and blue print reading.
“Everything about this program changed my life; this is just what I was looking for. I've learned so much; it has been amazing. After about a year and half, I got amazing college classes, and my dream job. I never want to stop learning.”
Pursue an Entry-Level Job in Construction or Carpentry
After graduation, you may enter the workplace in construction, carpentry, or other woodworking position. We’re here to help you identify career options and decide on the best step after graduation.
- Work in a broad range of job positions in the South Bay area from construction to carpentry.
- Pursue opportunities for advancement such as contracting and fine woodworking.
- Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow 10.4% nationwide from 2016 to 2026.
Participate in Academic and Career Opportunities
Take your education outside of the classroom. El Camino has apprenticeship opportunities and connections with industries that translate into valuable real-world experience.
- Gain hands-on skills in the construction technology lab on the El Camino campus.
- Participate in a free, pre-apprenticeship program with fees, books and supplies provided at no cost. Complete the program and:
- Earn three different El Camino College construction technology certificates of achievement; and
- Receive assistance with applying for local contractor jobs or joining a union.
- Take advantage of an internship or paraprofessional opportunity.
Academic Details
Learn about course requirements and more for the Construction Technology AS degree and certificates in El Camino’s online catalog.
Construction Technology Program Map
Find semester-by-semester plans that chart your path to a Construction Technology AS degree and/or a certificate on El Camino’s Guided Pathways site.
Connect with the Faculty
Use the Faculty Directory to connect with Faculty in your program.
Contact Info
Construction Technology