Welcome  To Residential Construction Technology

Just the Facts

Entry:          Fall only

Length:        2 semesters, 1 summer

Award:         Diploma

Admission Requirements

Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent.  We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.

"I think the IWCC Construction Technology program is great.  You learn a lot about the fields of the trade; and you get to do most of it hands on.  You will also meet a lot of great people in the program; whom you will become friends with" - Megan Stuckey, 2008

Program Information

The Residential Construction Technology program of study provides a basic knowledge of carpentry and related skills used in the residential construction industry.  Residential construction involves the building or remodeling of homes, apartments and similar structures.  The program provides the opportunity to learn and apply all phases of the industry with emphasis on carpentry and the related areas of electricity, blueprint reading, and math.  Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.

Another option would be to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in our two-year Construction Technology program. Associate in Applied Science degree requirements may be found in the IWCC catalog.

There are no specific entrance requirements for the Construction Technology program.  However, students are required to purchase a set of hand tools from the Construction Technology program. 

Hands-on Experience

In IWCC's program, you learn not only by course work, but by spending a large percent of your time working out in the field on our project jobsite. This allows students to gain hands-on experience on an actual construction site. 

Construction Technology students have completed the newest house project in 2008 (pictured right).  The house includes a main floor of 1,651 sq. ft. with another 1,651 sq. ft of living space in the finished basement.  The main floor includes a master bedroom with master bath and closet, formal living room with gas fireplace, formal dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, full bath and utility room.  The finished basement includes a living/family room with gas fireplace, full kitchen and bar area, bedroom, full bath and storage rooms. The house also included a two car garage, deck and covered porch. 

 

The Construction Technology students completed a house project in 2007 (pictured left).  The house offered 3,773 sq. feet of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage, 2 fireplaces, a formal dining room, a finished basement and stonework inside and outside the house.

 

Students also completed a house project in 2006 (pictured right). This two-story house included a cathedral ceiling entry way, three bedrooms, two bath, gas fireplace and two car garage.  The new house featured energy efficient windows, furnace, water heater and appliances. 

 

 

"The required classes and the lab class tie together so well that the hands on work comes almost second nature" - David Stevenson, 2008

Career Opportunities

The demand for skilled construction workers is near an all-time high.  By earning a diploma in Residential Construction Technology, you will be qualified to enter right into the work force.  Our placement rate is 90%.

Course Sequence

For recommended course sequence, please refer to the program guide or IWCC catalog.  Residential Construction Technology course descriptions may also be found in the catalog.

Articulation/Transfer Opportunities

Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools, local and state. 

Service Learning

Service learning has long been a part of IWCC's Residential Construction Technology program.  The Residential Construction Technology program has assisted Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs in building several homes in the community. 

Student Organizations

Students may join the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Chapter and Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA) Student Chapter. Students are encouraged to join these chapters.  The program helps to enrich the educational experience of students enrolled in construction-related studies and training. 

The benefits of joining a chapter include: 

• Contact with other students of similar interest and career goals.

• Closer contact with construction faculty.

• Contacts with chapter staff, and access to their experience and services.

• Opportunities to visit and learn from local construction projects.

• Possibilities of meeting and working with contractors (your future employers).

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of degree will I earn at Iowa Western if I enroll in this program?

Graduates of this program earn a diploma.  Upon completion, graduates will be qualified to enter the work force immediately.  Another option would be to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree with an additional year for our Construction Technology program.

What is the job outlook for Residential Construction Technology graduates and what type of jobs will I be qualified for?

The demand for qualified workers is near an all-time high.  Graduates can expect to earn anywhere from $10 to $13 an hour.

Do I need any special equipment for the program?

Each student is required to purchase a set of hand tools from the Construction Technology program.  The Residential Construction Technology program supplies the power tools and any other equipment students require while attending the program. 

The Facility

The Residential Construction Technology program is located in our newly renovated Dodge Hall.  Dodge Hall features a 70-seat auditorium, a conference hall, and computer labs. The new facility features cutting edge technology in its many spacious classrooms and laboratories. 

The Residential Construction Technology program in its self-contained lab gives students the hand-on experience they need to prepare to enter the workforce upon graduation.  The lab is equipped with the most up-to-date equipment and tools. 

Our wireless network also allows students to access the internet from virtually anywhere on campus.

Scholarship Information

Iowa Western Community College has many scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students.  We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.

Come See The Program for Yourself!

It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection.  We encourage you to come experience Iowa Western for yourself by scheduling a visit or attending a program day.

 

Other Resources

Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs

National Assoc of Home Builders (NAHB)

Home Builders Association of Iowa (HBAI)

Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA)

Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA)

Associated General Contractors of American - Nebraska Building Chapter

Council Bluffs Building Trades Association

Contact Information

David Hazlewood

Associate Professor

Program Chair, Construction Technology

2700 College Road, Box 4-C

Council Bluffs, IA 51502

(712) 325-3362 or 1-800-432-5852, ext. 3362

Email:  dhazlewood@iwcc.edu