Curriculum

Greater Michigan Construction Academy Curriculum

View course descriptions listed on the tabs below

1 semester = 72 class hours
Introductory Craft Skills (Pre-requisite for all programs) 
Modules:

  • Basic Safety
  • Introduction to Construction Math
  • Introduction to Hand Tools
  • Introduction to Power Tools
  • Introduction to Construction Drawings
  • Basic Rigging
  • Basic Communication Skills
  • Basic Employability Skills
  • Introduction to Materials Handling

Level I: Carpentry Fundamentals
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Orientation to the Trade
  • Building Materials, Fasteners, and Adhesives
  • Hand and Power Tools
  • Intro to Construction Drawings, Specifications, and Layout
  • Floor Systems
  • Wall Systems
  • Ceiling Joist and Roof Framing
  • Intro to Building Envelope Systems
  • Basic Stair Layout

Level II: Carpentry Framing & Finishing
2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Commercial Drawings
  • Cold-Formed Steel Framing
  • Exterior Finishing
  • Thermal and Moisture Protection
  • Roofing Applications
  • Doors and Door Hardware
  • Drywall Installation
  • Drywall Finishing
  • Suspended Ceilings
  • Window, Door, Floor, and Ceiling Trim
  • Cabinet Installation

LEVEL III: Carpentry Forms
2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Properties of Concrete
  • Rigging Equipment
  • Rigging Practices
  • Trenching and Excavating
  • Reinforcing Concrete
  • Foundations and Slab-on-Grade
  • Vertical Formwork
  • Horizontal Formwork
  • Handling and Placing Concrete
  • Tilt-up Wall Panels

LEVEL IV: Carpentry advanced
2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Site Layout One – Differential Leveling
  • Site Layout Two – Angular Measurement
  • Advanced Roof Systems
  • Advanced Wall Systems
  • Advanced Stair Systems
  • Introduction to Light Equipment
  • Introduction to Oxyfuel Cutting and Arc Welding
  • Site Preparation
  • Fundamentals of Crew Leader

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Orientation to the Trade
  • Electrical Safety
  • Introduction to Electrical Circuits
  • Electrical Theory
  • Introduction to the National Electrical Code
  • Device Boxes
  • Hand Bending
  • Raceways and Fittings
  • Conductors and Cables
  • Basic Electrical Construction Drawings
  • Residential Electric Services
  • Electrical Test Equipment

Level II
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Alternating Current
  • Motors: Theory and Application
  • Electric Lighting
  • Conduit Bending
  • Pull and Junction Boxes
  • Conductor Installations
  • Cable Tray
  • Conductor Terminations and Splices
  • Grounding and Bonding
  • Circuit Breakers and Fuses
  • Control Systems and Fundamental Concepts

Level III
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Load Calculation – Branch Feeders and Circuits
  • Conductor Selection and Calculations
  • Practical Applications of Lighting
  • Hazardous Locations
  • Overcurrent Protections
  • Distribution Equipment
  • Transformers
  • Commercial Electrical Services
  • Motor Calculation
  • Voice, Data, and Video
  • Motor Controls

Level IV
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Load Calculation – Feeders and Services
  • Health Care Facilities
  • Standby and Emergency Systems
  • Basic Electronic Theory
  • Fire Alarm Systems
  • Specialty Transformers
  • Advanced Controls
  • HVAC Controls
  • Heat Tracing and Freeze Protection
  • Motor Operation and Maintenance
  • Medium-Voltage Terminations and Splices
  • Special Locations
  • Fundamentals of Crew Leadership

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Introduction to HVAC
  • Trade Mathematics
  • Basic Electricity
  • Introduction to Heating
  • Introduction to Cooling
  • Air Distribution Systems
  • Basic Copper and Plastic Piping Practices
  • Soldering and Brazing
  • Basic Carbon Steel Piping Practices

Level II
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Alternating Current
  • Compressors
  • Refrigerants and Oils
  • Leak Detection, Evacuation, Recovery, and Charging
  • Metering Devices
  • Heat Pumps
  • Basic Maintenance
  • Chimneys, Vents and Flues
  • Sheet Metal Duct Systems
  • Fiberglass and  Duct Systems
  • Commercial Airside Systems
  • Air Quality Equipment
  • Introduction to Hydronic Systems

Level III
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Fasteners, Hardware, and Wiring Terminations
  • Control Circuit and Motor Troubleshooting
  • Troubleshooting Cooling
  • Troubleshooting Heat Pumps
  • Troubleshooting Gas Heating
  • Troubleshooting Oil Heating
  • Troubleshooting Accessories
  • Zoning, Ductless, and Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
  • Commercial Hydronic Systems
  • Steam Systems
  • Retail Refrigeration Systems
  • Customer Relations

Level IV
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Water Treatment
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Energy Conservation Equipment
  • Building Management Systems
  • System Air Balancing
  • System Startup and Shutdown
  • Construction Drawings and Specifications
  • Heating and Cooling System Design
  • Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Systems
  • Alternative Heating and Cooling Equipment
  • Fundamentals of Crew Leadership

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Orientation to the Trade
  • Tools of the Trade
  • Fasteners and Anchors
  • Oxyfuel Cutting
  • Gaskets and Packing
  • Craft-Related Mathematics
  • Construction Drawings
  • Pumps and Drivers
  • Valves
  • Introduction to Test Instruments
  • Material Handling and Hand Rigging
  • Mobile and Support Equipment
  • Lubrication

Level II
2 semesters – 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Basic Layout
  • Introduction to Piping Components
  • Copper and Plastic Piping Practices
  • Introduction to Ferrous Metal Piping Practices
  • Identify, Install, and Maintain Valves
  • Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Testing
  • Introduction to Bearings
  • Low-Pressure Steam Systems
  • High-Pressure Steam Systems and Auxiliaries
  • Distillation Towers and Vessels
  • Heaters, Furnaces, Heat Exchangers, Cooling Towers, and Fin Fans
  • Introduction to Tube Work

Level III
2 Semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Advanced Trade Math
  • Precision Measuring Tools
  • Installing Bearings
  • Installing Couplings
  • Setting Baseplates and Prealignment
  • Conventional Alignment
  • Installing Belt and Chain Drives
  • Installing Mechanical Seals

Level IV
2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Compressors and Pneumatic Systems
  • Reverse Alignment
  • Laser Alignment
  • Introduction to Supervisory Skills
  • Troubleshooting and Repairing Pumps
  • Troubleshooting and Repairing Gearboxes

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Instrumentation Safety Practices
  • Hand and Power Tools for Instrumentation
  • Craft-Related Mathematics
  • Instrumentation Drawings and Documents, Part One
  • Inspect, Handle, and Store Instrumentation Materials
  • Electrical Systems for Instrumentation
  • Fasteners
  • Gaskets, O-Rings, and Packing
  • Lubricants, Sealants, and Cleaners
  • Tubing
  • Steel Piping Practices
  • Hoses

Level II
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Temperature, PRessure, Level, and Flow
  • Instrument Fitter’s Mathematics
  • Instrumentation Drawings and Documents, Part Two
  • Test Equipment
  • Panel Mounted Instruments
  • Installing Field-Mounted Instruments
  • Raceways for Instrumentation
  • Clean, Purge, and Test Tubing and Piping Systems
  • Protective Measures for Instrumentation
  • Layout and Installation of Tubing and Piping
  • Instrument Air Fitters, Regulators, and Dryers

Level III
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Control Valves, Actuators, and Positioners
  • Detectors, Secondary Elements, Transducers, and Transmitters
  • Instrumentation Electrical Circuitry
  • Relays and Timers
  • Switches and Photoelectric Devices
  • Terminating Conductors
  • Grounding and Shielding of Instrumentation Wiring
  • Process Control Theory
  • Controllers

Level IV
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Instrument Calibration and Configuration
  • Proving, Commissioning, and Troubleshooting a Loop
  • Tuning Loops
  • Digital Logic Circuits
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Distributed Control Systems
  • Analyzers and Monitors

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Orientation
  • Material Handling, Storage, and Distribution
  • Characteristics of Pipe
  • Plumbing Systems
  • Chilled and Hot Water Heating Systems
  • Installing Fiberglass Pipe Insulation
  • Installing Pipe Fittings, Valves and Flanges

Level II
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Installing Flexible Foam Insulation
  • Installing Blanket Insulation for Ducts
  • Installing Board Insulation for Ducts
  • Installing Calcium Silicate/Expanded Perlite Pipe Insulation
  • Installing Mineral Wool Insulation
  • Installing Rigid Foam Insulation
  • Installing Board and Block Insulation
  • Cement and Fabric Finishes & Mastics
  • Plumbing Systems
  • Chilled and Hot Water Heating Systems

Level III
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Trade Math
  • Air Duct Systems
  • Theory of Heat Transfer and Moisture Effects
  • Adhesives and Their Uses
  • Steam, Condensate, and Process Water Systems
  • Large Boilers, Breechings, Precipitators, and Apparatus
  • Refrigeration and Cryogenic Systems
  • Specialized Insulation Systems
  • Blueprints and Specifications
  • Jacketing Fabrication – Piping and Fittings
  • Jacketing Fabrication – Vessels and Equipment
  • Sheet Metal Lagging

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Introduction to the Trade
  • Trade Safety
  • Tools and Equipment of the Trade
  • Fastening
  • Mobile Construction Cranes
  • Rigging Equipment
  • Rigging Practices
  • Trade Drawings One
  • Structural Ironworking One
  • Plumbing, Aligning, and Guying
  • Oxyfuel Cutting
  • Introduction to Arc Welding
  • Bar Joists and Girders
  • Metal Decking
  • Field Fabrication

Level II
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Trade Math
  • Weld Quality
  • Position Arc Welding
  • Forklifts
  • Trade Drawings Two
  • Intermediate Rigging
  • Structural Ironworking Two
  • Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  • Tower Cranes
  • Survey Equipment Use and Care One

Level III
2 semester = 144 class hours 
Modules:

  • Applied Trade Math
  • Flux Core for Ironworking
  • Stud Welding
  • Structural Ironworking Three
  • Aevanced Rigging
  • Precast/Tilt-Up Erection
  • Special Application Hoisting Devices
  • Survey Equipment Use and Care Two
  • Pre-Engineered Systems
  • Misc/Ornamental Ironworking
  • Grating and Checkered Plate
  • Air Carbon Arc Cutting and Gouging
  • Demolition

Level I: 1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Introduction to Masonry
  • Masonry Safety
  • Masonry Tools & Equipment
  • Measurements, Drawings, and Specifications
  • Mortar
  • Masonry Units and Installation Techniques

Level II: 2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Residential Plans and Drawing Interpretation
  • Residential Masonry
  • Reinforced Masonry
  • Masonry Openings and Metalwork
  • Advanced Laying Techniques
  • Effects of Climate on Masonry
  • Construction Inspection and Quality Control

LEVEL III: 2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Elevated Masonry
  • Specialized Materials and Techniques
  • Repair and Restoration
  • Commercial Drawings
  • Estimating
  • Site Layout – Distance Measurement and Leveling
  • Stone Masonry
  • Fundamentals of Crew Leadership

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Orientation to the Trade
  • Pipefitting Hand Tools
  • Pipefitting Power Tools
  • Oxyfuel Cutting
  • Ladders and Scaffolds
  • Motorized Equipment

Level II
2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Piping Systems
  • Drawings and Detail Sheets
  • Identifying and installing Valves
  • Pipefitting Trade Math
  • Threaded Pipe Fabrication
  • Socket Weld Pipe Fabrication
  • Butt Weld Pipe Fabrication
  • Rigging Excavations
  • Underground Pipe Installation

Level III
2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Rigging Equipment
  • Rigging Practices
  • Standards and Specifications
  • Advanced Trade Math
  • Motorized Equipment II
  • Introduction to Aboveground Pipe Installation
  • Field Routing and Vessel Trim
  • Pipe Hangers and Supports
  • Testing Piping Systems and Equipment

Level IV
2 semesters = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Advanced Blueprint Reading
  • Advanced Pipe Fabrication
  • Stress Relieving and Aligning
  • Steam Traps
  • In-Line Specialties
  • Special Piping
  • Hot Taps
  • Maintaining Valves
  • Introduction to Supervisory Roles

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Introduction to the Plumbing Trade
  • Plumbing Safety
  • Tools of the Plumbing Trade
  • Introduction to Plumbing Math
  • Introduction to Plumbing Drawings
  • Plastic Pipe and Fittings
  • Copper Pipe and Fittings
  • Cast-Iron Pipe and Fittings
  • Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings
  • Introduction to Plumbing Fixtures
  • Introduction to Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems
  • Introduction to Water Distribution Systems

Level II
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Plumbing Math Two
  • Reading Commercial Drawings
  • Structural Penetrations, Insulation, and Fire Stopping
  • Installing and Testing DWV Piping
  • Installing Roof, Floor, and Area Drains
  • Installing and Testing Water Supply Piping
  • Types of Valves
  • Installing Fixtures and Valves
  • Basic Electricity
  • Fuel Gas and Fuel Oil Systems

Level III
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Applied Math
  • Sizing Water Supply Piping
  • Potable Water Supply Treatment
  • Types of Venting
  • Sizing DWV and Storm Systems
  • Sewage Pumps and Sump Pumps
  • Corrosive – Resistant Waste Piping
  • Compressed Air
  • Service Plumbing

Level IV
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Business Principles for Plumbers
  • Fundamentals of Crew Leadership
  • Water Pressure Booster and Recirculation Systems
  • Indirect and Special Waste
  • Hydronic and Solar Heating Systems
  • Codes
  • Private Water Supply Well Systems
  • Private Water Disposal Systems
  • Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
  • Plumbing for Mobil Homes and Mobil Home parks
  • Introduction to Medical Gas and Vacuum Systems

Level I
1 semester = 72 class hours
Modules:

  • Introduction to the Sheet Metal Trade
  • Tools of the Trade
  • Introduction to Sheet Metal Layout and Processes
  • Trade Math One
  • Fabrication One – Parallel Line Development
  • Installation of Ductwork
  • Installation of Air Distribution Accessories
  • Insulation
  • Architectural Sheet Metal

Level II
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Trade Math Two
  • Plans and Specifications
  • Fabrication Two – Radial Line Development
  • Sheet Metal Duct Fabrication Standards
  • Air Properties and Distribution
  • Bend Allowances
  • Soldering
  • Basic Piping Practices
  • Fiberglass Duct

Level III
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Trade Math Three – Field Measuring and Fitting
  • Air Systems
  • Principles of Airflow
  • Louvers, Dampers, and Access Doors
  • Comprehensive Plan and Specification Reading
  • Fabrication Three: Triangulation
  • Advanced Architectural Sheet Metal

Level IV
2 semester = 144 class hours
Modules:

  • Shop Production and Organization
  • Air Testing and Balance
  • Introduction to Welding, Brazing and Cutting
  • Fume and Exhaust Systems Design
  • Fabrication Four – Comprehensive Review
  • Introductory Skills for the Crew Leader

Welding AWS – Level 1

500 class hours

(GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW, Fillet Welds, Open Butt Plate Welds)

Welders join objects together by applying heat or pressure. Skilled welders have a thorough knowledge of welding principals and metals. They use blueprints and drawings to build anything from ships to cars to bridges. Welders are also crucial in maintaining power plants and the entire piping industry of all types and have the opportunity to travel throughout the year.

Modules

This program provides training and AWS certification in the most common welding processes such as MIG(GMAW), TIC(GTAW), Flux-Core(FCAW), Stick(SMAW), Fillet Welds, and Open Butt Plate Welds. Participants who complete the program are certified as AWS Level-1 Welders. A graduate Level-1 Entry Welder will be able to perform minor external repairs to equipment and accessories in all processes, and setup and perform:

  • Stick(SMAW) operations making fillet and groove welds in all positions within a limited thickness range on carbon steel
  • MIG(Gas Metal Arc Welding) is short circuit transfer operations, making fillet and groove welds in all positions within a limited thickness ranged on carbon steel. Gas Metal Arc Welding (spray transfer) operations making fillet and groove welds in limited positions within a limited thickness range on carbon steel.
  • Flux-Core(FCAW-SS/GS) operations making fillet and groove welds in all positions within a limited thickness range on carbon steel.
  • Tig(GTAW) operations making fillet and groove welds in all positions within a limited thickness range on carbon steel, and in limited positions within a limited thickness range of austenitic stainless steel and aluminum.

View full course catalog

Curriculum & Assessments

Guide To Careers In Construction

Download the GMCA Guide to Careers in Construction iBook to your Apple device today and learn how skilled trades training leads to SUCCESS! 

Skilled Trades training has benefited me by opening up opportunities at different companies that wouldn’t even take a second look if I hadn’t had a formal, post-secondary education. It gives me a leg up on anyone who just has a high school diploma.
Adam Emery, Pipefitter & Millwright, GMCA Alumni

Primary Communities Served

Auburn
Bay City
Carrollton
Chesaning
Coleman

Edenville
Essexville
Frankenmuth
Freeland

Hemlock
Kawkawlin
Lansing
Linwood

Merrill
Midland
Millington
Oil City

Richville
Saginaw
Saginaw Twp.
Shields

St. Charles
University Center
Vassar
Zilwaukee