In the last decade, the construction industry has realized average wage increases of more than  60 percent, and the continued vitality of the building boom in southeastern Michigan translates into job security for those who know their trusses from their Tsquares.

Not only is home building is thriving; civil and commercial construction in Michigan are also booming and should remain strong.

In addition to its new Concrete Construction Management program, Oakland Community College offers several technology programs to help you build a future in the construction industry.

More than 300 students have participated in a program pioneered by OCC and the Building Association Industry to train carpenter-framers. In the fast-track, 18-week program, students receive free tuition, books and $300 worth of hand tools. They spend 10 percent of their time in class learning blueprint reading, building code requirements and construction-related math. The balance of the time is spent in the field working under master carpenters in building three to four homes ranging from 1100 to 3000 square feet. After 18 weeks of full-time training, students are prepared to interview for positions with the area’s 2500 builders. Educational entry requirements for the program include a high school diploma or GED, a 9th grade reading level and 6th grade math level; in addition, students must be able to lift 50 pounds, not mind heights and have reliable transportation.

OCC’s construction management option of the college’s management development program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree and qualifies graduates for entry- and midlevel jobs in the booming general contracting field. Typical kinds of jobs for which OCC graduates qualify include scheduling, planning, surveying, construction safety  and project manager assistance.

The construction management program is a partnership between OCC and Eastern Michigan University (EMU), in cooperation with major construction associations. Classes include business law, principles of management, computer applications, accounting, construction systems surveying, construction safety and analysis of commercial prints.

A unique aspect of the 62-credit program is that 20 hours of major requirements toward the Associate Degree are taken through EMU – all at OCC’s Orchard Ridge Campus in Farmington Hills. OCC graduates are able to transfer up to 100 credits toward a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction from EMU.

For more information, call 248-341-2346, then make an appointment with the Orchard Ridge Campus Counseling Department.