Current Program

The Carpentry program, which reflects the goals of the college's Mission Statement, provides students with an opportunity to master skills required for success in the carpentry trade. The program includes a review of basic math as it relates to carpentry and an introduction to hand tools, materials, and blueprint reading. Students, who take classes such as concrete construction, rough carpentry, exterior and interior finish, estimating, building codes, and contract law, enroll in the program for personal enrichment, to obtain a degree or certificate, for retraining or upgrading of job skills, to meet requirements for transfer to a four-year institution, and to pursue a contractor's license. Several factors have affected program offerings in the last few years, including changes in the environment, population, technology, college budget conditions and students' basic skill levels. The increasing use of technology in the workplace and in the classroom also has affected the program.

Degrees and Certificates - An Associate in Science degree and a Certificate of Completion are offered in Carpentry.

Personnel - At this time the program has three full-time faculty and two part-time faculty, with one student worker.

Teaching Methodologies - The primary methods of instruction at this time include lecture, lecture/lab, lecture/demonstration, and lab. Some computerized instruction is used, and access to the Internet is a helpful addition to the classroom.

Technology - No online courses or distance education technologies are used at this time.

Equipment - At this time a band saw needs to be replaced and two band saws and a radial arm saw are in need of repair. Several pieces of equipment are more than 20 years old and are breaking down constantly.

Facilities - While the location and condition of facilities are adequate, the size is not, as the program needs a larger computer lab. Classrooms need dry boards as well.

Future Program

In the future, changes in technology will continue to affect the program, as well as curriculum development and changes in the college's recruiting strategies. In the mid term (five years) enrollment in the program is expected to increase at the same rate as overall college growth; in the long term (ten years), however, enrollment is expected to remain steady. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - No additional degrees or certificates are planned.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - More projects completed off-campus may suggest different teaching methods.

Technology - Computerized estimating and design instead of hand sketching is becoming the standard in industry, and this will need to be incorporated into the curriculum. Some courses could be adapted to online technology.

Equipment - Within five years table saws, band saws, radial arm saws, work benches, computers, printers and plotters will all need to be replaced. Additional work benches, table saws, radial saws, band saws and computers will need to be purchased, as well.

Facilities - A larger computer lab is needed, and office space will need to be expanded.

Staff Development - Information on changes in industry standards should be available to staff as well as updates on college processes and recruiting efforts.