skip to main content
covid information and resources - updated 10.28.20
construction trades
technical diploma
why choose construction trades?
- construction work is about using your skills to solve problems on the job site—no two days are alike.
- demand is always high for construction workers, and high salaries are common for more advanced skills.
- a great career for those looking to avoid or break out of the office cubicle.
- twelve-credit program designed for completion in one semester.
the construction trades offer incredible opportunity for anyone looking to use their hands, make an impact in their community, and earn a great salary.
the construction trades include many different jobs and career paths, from carpentry, to electrical, to plumbing, to pipe fitting, and much more. what construction workers have in common is the ability to use their hands and skills to help build things people depend on—the buildings we work in, the homes we live and play in, and more. it’s honest, satisfying work that makes the world go around.
construction workers are skilled by definition, and they are always learning and growing in their abilities. some work for residential or commercial contractors, while others own their own business.
the construction trades include many different jobs and career paths, from carpentry, to electrical, to plumbing, to pipe fitting, and much more. what construction workers have in common is the ability to use their hands and skills to help build things people depend on—the buildings we work in, the homes we live and play in, and more. it’s honest, satisfying work that makes the world go around.
construction workers are skilled by definition, and they are always learning and growing in their abilities. some work for residential or commercial contractors, while others own their own business.
program locations
wisconsin rapids campus
500 32nd street north
wisconsin rapids, wisconsin 54494
length of program: short term
credits: 12
start dates: fall and spring
start at any time or location by taking general education courses
what you'll learn
mid-state’s construction trades technical diploma provides the foundation knowledge and experience to get started in the construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and pipefitting fields. graduates understand the various components of building construction systems as well as proper and safe tool use and installation techniques for piping, heating, and electrical systems. successful completion of the diploma prepares students for an entry-level position in the construction trades industry.
the program includes work in an interactive hands-on lab and a year-round larger lab complete with an "indoor house." through exposure to multiple fields and industries, graduates are prepared to enter the trade they choose.
estimated entire program cost
cost based on the 2020/2021 academic calendar year.
- Tuition & Fees: $1,969.26
- books: $188.45
- supplies, uniforms, and/or exams: $15.00
- total estimated cost: $2,172.71
financial aid eligibility
this program is not eligible for financial aid.
| catalog# | title | credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10601140 | electricity for the construction trades | 2.00 | |
| 10482107 | construction fundamentals | 2.00 | |
| 10483121 | piping applications | 3.00 | |
| 10601130 | blueprint reading for construction trades | 2.00 | |
| 10476170 | osha 30 for the construction trades | 2.00 | |
| 10442117 | welding fundamentals 1 | 1.00 | |
| (12 credits) |
| (12 credits) |
instructors
benjamin nusz, ba, ms
ben holds a master’s degree in environmental science and policy – renewable energy from the university of wisconsin–green bay. he has over 15 years of experience as an installer, site assessor, designer, project manager, and instructor. he is also certified by the nabcep as a solar heating installer and by the midwest renewable energy association (mrea) as a solar water heating site assessor and photovoltaic site assessor. in addition to teaching in the renewable energy technician and hvac programs at mid-state, ben is the solar water heating instructor for the mrea. in 2016, he was recognized as the keep energy
educator of the year. ben is also the co-author of the book solar water heating: a comprehensive guide to solar water and space heating systems.
“i love what i do and am excited to spend each day empowering students to better themselves and to change the world.”
careers
- general construction laborer
- electrical contracting laborer
- carpentry contracting laborer
- plumbing contracting laborer
- steamfitting contracting laborer
take the next step
“i love what i do and am excited to spend each day empowering students to better themselves and to change the world.”
benjamin nusz
instructor
choose your path
career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree.
transfer • dual credit • credit for prior learning
